OLD STAMFORDIAN CLUB NEWSLETTER NO. 43 APRIL 2016 Forthcoming Events OS Golf All OS are warmly invited to participate in all future events. The following dates are planned for this year: • Spring Meeting at Luffenham Heath – Saturday 14 May • Summer Meeting at Burghley Park – Friday 19 August • Autumn Meeting at Luffenham Heath – Saturday 8 October Spring and Autumn Meetings please contact: Geoff Holyoake ([email protected]) or John Cartwright ([email protected]) Summer Meeting please contact: Neil Nottingham ([email protected]) OS Reunion Weekend Friday 1 July to Sunday 3 July FRIDAY The SES Foundation Supporting: The Andrew Carter Cup Touch Rugby Tournament 5.30 on Mainfields. Teams of six. Spectators welcome. New teams welcome. Contact Cameron Park ([email protected]). Gareth Hook ([email protected]) or David Laventure ([email protected]). SES Foundation hosted Hog Roast and pay bar for all SES alumni. Tickets for the Hog Roast must be booked at [email protected]. SATURDAY Registration From 9.30am in the Reading Room. Coffee available. A complete list of events will be on display in the Reading Room. Memorial Service 10.00 am: Memorial Service for Alan Staveley in the Chapel. (1916-2016, Pupil 1924-35, Headmaster 1968-78) Old Stamfordian Club AGM 11.00 am in the South Dining Hall. Annual Luncheon of the Old Stamfordian Club Formal buffet luncheon held in the Oswald Elliott Hall for OS and partners at 12.30pm. Advanced booking and payment of £25 per head or £16.50 for OS leavers since 2011. Cricket OS XI v School XI at the school 1.30pm Contact Gareth Hook ([email protected]) Tours of the School Meet in the Atrium from 2.00pm. Afternoon Tea In the marquee for OS and their families at 4.00 Evening Barbecue With music in conjunction with the SHS Old Girls. OS and wives, partners, families and friends welcome. From 6.15 at the marquee – £7.50 Continued on inside rear cover Editorial Welcome to this forty-third edition of the Old Stamfordian Club Newsletter and the second edition for which I have had the privilege of being the Editor. In my introduction to my first edition, I wrote about the various purposes which the Newsletter seeks to serve and the importance of its being relevant to the interests of as many of its readers as possible. I reflected that this was no mean feat when its readership was drawn from such an impressive span of generations. That challenge is just as valid this year and I hope that it succeeds in its ambition through the range and relevance of the topics it covers, the breadth and depth of the information it includes and the balance it achieves between reminiscence and anticipation of events to come. In this spirit, I very much hope therefore that you will enjoy the varied articles it includes. You will be able to gain an insight into the remarkably vibrant and successful contemporary life of the School, which extends through its academic and sporting successes into a very wide range of other activities where the opportunity to engage helps to prepare its pupils for the challenges ahead; enjoy learning about aspects of school life which might at first appear from a rather more distant past, yet were activities which focused on the same values of personal growth – and having fun – on which today’s programme of activities is based; and see how the OS Club is actively promoting that agenda by supporting members of the School and the Club to achieve their ambitions in practical ways. Of course, the most important aspect to all these accounts is the people involved – and their personal and collective contribution to the current life of the School and as part of a community of which we were all members at some point in the past. Inevitably, there are, each year, friends and colleagues who have left us and it is an essential role of this publication to record both their passing and the role they played both while at the School and subsequently. That could make for a rather sombre experience, but I suggest that the accounts here seek to pay appropriately respectful reflection on their loss and also a sense of celebration of what they achieved and the sheer pleasure, for us, of having been their friends or acquaintances. Perhaps this is nowhere more true than in the accounts of not one, but two, retired Headmasters who have passed away since the last edition was published, a remarkable coincidence. Between them, they covered a period of some 30 years at the School and, as such will have had a profound effect in many different ways on the lives of a very large proportion of the Newsletter’s readership. I particularly hope that you find these accounts are rewarding, illuminating and a source of fond memories. Finally, I would like to continue to encourage all readers to do three things, on which the success of the OS Club depends. First, to engage directly with its various activities, whether sports, social or in other ways, using the contact details supplied throughout the Newsletter; secondly, to spread the word about the Club to those past members of the School whom they know but who are perhaps not members themselves or who have lost contact with the Club or the School – growing the OS community is a key objective on which its future success depends; and thirdly, as last year, to invite your thoughts on how this publication could develop in the future. As I said last year, this is your publication, not mine and the extent to which it succeeds in its ambitions is entirely for you to judge. So, your comments will always be most welcome. Robert Thorpe

1 Message from the Chairman 2016 Your Club has been very busy over the past year and has a number of significant achievements under its belt. Nevertheless, we have also sustained an exceptional number of major losses along the way. Chief amongst these, the Stamford School community has seen the deaths of two headmasters in the past nine months. Geoffrey Timm, Headmaster between 1978 and 1997 died in July of last year and his predecessor Alan Staveley (OS ’35), Headmaster between 1968 and 1978 died in February. Both were also Vice-Presidents of the Old Stamfordian Club. The contribution of each of them to Stamford School was immense, the one carrying on the work of the other and their respective impacts are covered in some detail later in the Newsletter. As Club Chairman, I was one of a number of contributors to Geoffrey’s Memorial Service in the chapel in September and as a ‘Timm boy’ myself was pleased and honoured to have been given the opportunity to say a few words on your behalf. Likewise, I was able to represent the Club at Alan’s funeral at Wing in March, conscious that this man had interviewed me as a ten-year-old boy in the early summer of 1978 in what was presumably one of the last such interviews he conducted. Michael Ward, a popular, indeed inspirational, teacher of biology died suddenly in June. Many of us (your Chairman included) were grateful for Michael’s intelligent, friendly and very civilising influence on our schooldays. Pat King (OS ’53), a stalwart OS and serving Committee member, also died suddenly in November. Pat’s loyalty to the Club and his pithy and well-judged contributions at Committee meetings were always appreciated. A number of the Committee represented the Club at Pat’s funeral at Marholm, and since then a small donation has been made in his memory to the RAF Benevolent Fund. All were loyal and reliable supporters of School and /or Club over many years and their departure represents a genuine breach with the past and leaves a certain void within Club ranks. They do, however, live on vividly in the memories of many of us and as long as they do so, their influence will also continue. Others who must be recorded as hors de combat, albeit happily less terminally, include first and foremost, the Principal of Stamford Endowed Schools, Stephen Roberts. Stephen is retiring in the summer after eight very successful years at the helm. He has been a longstanding supporter of the OS Club, a constant source of wisdom and also of occasionally detailed and arcane information which has never ceased to be of utility and surprise to your Committee. Alan Maddox, former Chairman, longstanding Secretary, eminence grise, guide, philosopher and friend, retired as Secretary in June 2015 and stood down from the Committee. Alan’s experience and advice has been invaluable to a long succession of

2 chairmen and his counsel will be much missed, although we hope that he will continue to be a regular and reliable presence at future social events. Will Phelan, who steps down as Headmaster this summer, will not be memorialised here as this is not ‘good-bye’, or even au-revoir since he moves onwards and upwards, succeeding to the role of Principal. Although their presence at OS Committee meetings is a matter of record in the minutes, members should be aware that the support and goodwill of Will and Stephen, both in relation to their respective roles and their personal enthusiasm to see the Club flourish cannot be under-estimated. We offer our congratulations to each and wish them both well on the next stage of their journeys. Looking back, I can truly say – and I am painfully conscious it is a cliché even as I write – that it has been a privilege to get to know such men so well. (Under no circumstances, for example, would I ever have had the opportunity to become so well acquainted with Pat King, with his fascinating behind-the scenes stories of a visit to the Pentagon in the run-up to the Falklands Conflict, without my membership of the OS Committee). Equally, looking forward, I would never have had the opportunity to meet so many young OS as I do without participating in social events within the School and elsewhere. The London OS Dinner or Christmas drinks (which spring most readily to mind) allow me and others to talk to very recent leavers and / or graduates as equals and friends. It is interesting to learn how they are making their way in London as they commence their own professional lives, as I did myself many moons ago and if we are able as a Club to provide support then we readily do so. This is all part of the circle of life and members will find that participation in a whole plethora of Club events which include both teenagers and octogenarians in their ranks can be an extremely enriching experience. This time last year I wrote that I would like the Club to focus on the interests of younger members (both socially and pecuniarily) and on raising our game in respect of providing greater material support. A sub-committee was convened to consider how best we could achieve this and the first of our decisions has been to place the existing, somewhat ad hoc OS Bursaries arrangements onto a more formal footing. As of this spring, the number of OS bursaries offered to younger OS will potentially rise in number and in the amount of money distributed (both to individual applicants and collectively). The proviso is that applicants will have to pitch their applications in person for consideration by a small committee – but then nothing worth having ever came easily. Casting our ambit slightly wider, discussions are also afoot to develop and share more sophisticated and better targeted careers activities for all Stamfordians, be they ‘Old’ or still current and male or female. This venture constitutes a partial fulfilment of our responsibilities to support the School, both Stamford School individually and as a constituent part of the Endowed Schools, all working in partnership together. The months to come will see the Club’s annual Summer Reunion over 1st-3rd July, this year focusing on leavers from years ending in -6 and -1. Please sign up with one of your Year Group Reps who will be identifying themselves over the coming weeks. Then, in addition to the Sportsmen’s’ Dinner, the post-summer period will see the centenary

3 commemoration of the foundation of the School’s cadet force in 1916. This flagship event will be celebrated with a dinner and music. Current cadets, female as well as male will also be in attendance, not merely as guests but because High School girls are now members of the C.C.F on an equal footing with Stamford boys. That is something no one could have envisaged back in 1916 – at a time when woman were not even entitled to vote, let alone go into battle. So there is a great deal to applaud and I’d like to urge you to join us at what promises to be a memorable night. All are welcome, with partners and friends. Thanks to a great many committed participants your club is in excellent health. Please keep it going. Please help us by supporting Club events and let us know how we can help you further. Simon Stanley, ’85 Chairman

Headmaster’s Report 2016 As I have mentioned in the Stamfordian magazine, it has been a year of real highs and lows at Stamford School. It is the strength of the school community, both past and present, which has helped us through. Many OS will be aware that George Robinson, one of our Sixth Formers, suffered a very serious spinal injury whilst on rugby tour in South Africa with the school. His injury is life changing. Visiting George in hospital in Sheffield has been an incredible experience. The stoicism, objectivity, energy and determination of George and his family have been humbling and the energy and charity generated by the community and Stamfordians past and present remarkable. I would encourage all OS to look at the Team George Facebook page which can be found by simply typing teamgeorge2015 into the search option. This will give you the full picture of all the great work being done to support him and will also tell you how you can help. Academically, A stars at GCSE have risen by 10% over the last two years and over half of every grade achieved is now an A or an A star. At the top end of the school, 84% of students achieved A to C at A-Level and a huge number of students go to Russell Group Universities. Of course this is not the only way through. Old Stamfordians are currently on apprenticeship schemes with Dyson, Rolls Royce and Deloitte whilst some are in the USA at university or on the continent. We work very hard indeed to make academia both inspirational and accessible for all. As I write, this evening I am off to see a Foundation

4 Lecture by Simon Singh on the Mathematics of the Simpsons, which will be to a full house of 450 in the Oswald Elliott Hall. This lecture programme, to which all OS are warmly invited , has seen this year Dr Susannah Lipscomb, Will Gompertz and Levison Wood who have all enthralled audiences. Similarly the 1532 Society, which is our scholars’ society, goes from strength to strength and this year came 2nd out of 780 schools in the Coca Cola Business competition, the final of which was held at the Houses of Parliament. This was made up of both scholars and non-scholars and indicates that boys wish to follow a scholarly path be they scholars or not. We have had an amazing production of Grease by the Sixth Form; Stamford School boys make very good “T birds!” There have been some outstanding performances musically with the music programme developing from Grade 1 through to diploma and conservatoire level. We have also had record LAMDA art and drama examinations and we hosted a “Creatives” careers evening which was supported by many OS. Charity work has been unprecedented this year, not just for George but for a whole series of causes. Specifically we are forming a formal link with a school in Vellore in India, organised in partnership with the Diocese of Ely which I hope will blossom into volunteering work out there. The school as a whole embarked on a sponsored walk out to Normanton on the hottest day of last summer (we did not pick it to be so!) Walking to the half way point and seeing the whole school spread out under trees chattering excitedly was a sight to behold and one I will never forget. £11,000 was raised by the boys in memory of Tom Billington and we will be repeating the experience this summer in aid of Team George. Sport is becoming very strong and I do not really need to list achievements as they seem to be regular items. The First XV is now unbeaten at home in regular fixtures for five years (since the beginning of my tenure.) We went to two national finals in hockey at First XI and Under 13, I am told we have not been to a national final since 1995. Joey Evison broke MJK Smith’s debut for the First XI record by a month when he played as a Second year (or Year 8). As well as elite level sport, we are now playing fixtures in hockey against two schools at the same time! Last weekend we played Warwick and Wisbech and fielded 200 boys for hockey, a third of the school. This is not reflective of the current trend out of sport in independent day schools and in a lot of our rivals who cannot raise more than an A Team. So all is well and I believe that I pass Stamford School onto Mr Nick Gallop, the new Headmaster, in fine fettle and with many hares running. This is a truly great school, but we must continue to develop and improve, to evolve and sometimes revolutionise. I am delighted that I am only moving 300 yards down the road and that I will be a part of Stamford School for many years to come. Since the announcement of my moving to the role of Principal I have been asked many times how I will still be involved in Stamford School. Well, I say, whilst I am the figurehead and the leader of this wonderful school, Stephen Roberts, the Principal is just as involved as me in helping these three fine schools develop. He has stood alongside me and the other Heads of SHS and SJS, mentored us,

5 allied himself with us and been a critical friend. I am indebted to him as he has put the school in an enviable position and providing the perfect launch pad for the future for us all. There are certainly exciting times ahead and I am delighted that I will still be able to work with Stamfordians of all ages and I am relishing that opportunity and challenge. And opportunities and challenges are perhaps best framed by Dr Arnold of Rugby School who stated, “there is nothing so unnatural and so convulsive to society than to keep things fixed when all the world is in continual progress.” Stamford School, a great school, your school, is in continual progress and as our motto says, Christ me spede, and us, all in this. Will Phelan Headmaster, Stamford School

A Message from the Principal This will be the last time I write a piece for the Old Stamfordian Newsletter and the eight years I have been at Stamford seem to have flown by. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to been involved with the three excellent schools of the Endowed Schools’ foundation and, in particular, to meet a large number of Old Stamfordians who remain so loyal to their old school. I have been particularly impressed by the hard work of the OS Committee who want to promote strong links between OS and between OS and the School. The Committee recognises that this is against a changing backdrop of a co- educational Sixth Form and so, as an evolutionary process, changes are being considered to reflect these different circumstances. I commend them for this. This year has again been busy and there has been considerable academic, sporting and cultural success. Another new building was completed: it was the Junior School’s turn for major investment and the start of the academic year saw the four Year 6 classes accommodated in a spacious new building which also has new science and Design Technology facilities. I was delighted that Will Phelan, the current Headmaster of Stamford School, was appointed as my successor and I am sure that he will further improve the educational provision and the standing of Schools. He fully understands and is committed to what makes SES special and I am certain that the Schools will go from strength to strength under his leadership. I wish all who are associated with SES well for the future. Stephen Roberts Principal

6 School News Senior Rugby It was another successful season of rugby across the whole school. Collectively the School managed to win over two thirds of their 152 matches and can boast three unbeaten sides in the 12Ds, 12Cs and the 16Cs. The First XV completed a winning season and finished on a high, running in five tries at home to defeat Loughborough Grammar School in the last game of the season. Other highlights included a 35-0 win against Uppingham and the School’s unbeaten run at home now stretches five years. First XV Captain Henry Wills and Vice-captain Callum Corbett were both selected for the English Independent Schools Lambs. The representative team is made up of Y13 boys from independent schools across the country. Mason Coulam, James Martin and James Peachey have all been called into the Leicester Tigers U18 League team whilst Ed Cox, Alfie Shaw and Zac Godfrey were selected for NLD U16 squad. The future looks bright with the 14As having beaten Stowe, Oundle and Uppingham this season and a further 13 boys are representing Tigers, Saints and Wasps in their various development programmes. Old Stamfordians Support SES Careers Initiatives Over the course of the year a number of Old Stamfordians have generously given their time to meet with current SES pupils and to provide careers advice and support. Some of the stories can be found below. The Schools are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported the careers initiatives this year. If any Old Stamfodian would like to become involved in future SES careers initiatives please contact the SES Foundation Office for more information ([email protected]). The SES Economics Dinner – June 2015 In June 2015, as part of a Sixth Form economics trip to London, a group of over 30 SES Economics students visited the Adam Smith Institute, the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Social Market Foundation. At the end of the day the students had dinner with 11 former pupils and two former parents, who all worked in the City or had an economics or finance background. The event was sponsored by the SES Foundation and provided a unique opportunity for SES students to meet with a diverse set of experts – all with a Stamford background. The students were able to hear about their career paths, discuss their experiences and ask questions. Old Stamfordians in attendance included: James Chew (80), Oliver Hemsley (81), Robin Hornak (14), Matthew Pennill (12) and Robin Woodall (76).

7 Work Experience in Hong Kong – July 2015 In July 2015 two lucky sixth form students (one from Stamford School and one from Stamford High School) were each offered a two week work experience placement at MVA Asia Ltd in Hong Kong. The placements were generously offered by the CEO of MVA Asia Ltd and Old Stamfordian Ian McGovern (89).

The SES Creatives Careers Evening – September 2015

In September, SES hosted a careers evening for current students and recent leavers, focusing on the creative industries. The Llowarch Performing Arts Centre was filled with students and their parents from across SES, who were given a chance to interact with and hear from professionals in different sectors of the creative industries as well as representatives from Universities. The line-up included a number of Old Stamfordians including actors Chris Birks (05) and Conor Baum (10), Head of Film at BAFTA Jim Bradshaw (98), Roger Bradshaw (68), Chairman & Technical Director at the Stamford Corn Exchange and Peter Gibbons (07), MD Lux Technical.

Old Stamfordian Teaches Pupils Benefits of Learning Russian – January 2016 In January 2016 SES welcomed Old Stamfordian Richard Wallace (95) back to school to spend the day in the Russian department. Richard left Stamford School in 1995, having studied Russian A-level. He continued his studies of Russian at Birmingham University and since leaving university, he has worked in Russia for seven years, heading the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce, as well as a private investment bank. He is now CEO of Front Row Group of companies. Richard spent some time with our sixth form students, answering their questions as well as talking to Year 8 boys about the benefits of learning Russian. The boys asked lots of interesting questions and some of their perceptions about the language and Russian culture changed following Richard’s talk.

8 Old Stamfordians on LinkedIn The Old Stamfordian group on LinkedIn is open to all former pupils of Stamford School and Stamford high School and, at the time of going to print, boasts over 950 members. It is a great resource for all alumni if you are looking for work or careers advice or wanting to engage with other professionals in your field who also have a Stamford background. Reunion of Former Stamford Rugby Captains – November 2015 When the Stamford School hosted a Rugby Lunch in November to coincide with a 1st XV home match it was an opportunity to invite former Stamford Rugby Captains back to School for a reunion and a celebration of rugby at Stamford. Eleven former captains were able to attend and the Headmaster welcomed each of them in his welcoming speech with details from their seasons playing rugby at Stamford School. Guests then enjoyed a buffet lunch and, after plenty of stories from seasons gone by, proceeded to Mainfields to watch the afternoon’s matches against St Albans with the 1st XV winning 66-5.

Stamford School Former Rugby Captains – from left to right: Darren Ketteringham (1989), Robert Grindal (1987), Charlie Dunbar (2014), Tom Gulland (2012), Clive Birch (1971), Guy Franks (1979-1981), John Barker (2000), Alexander Jones, (2009), Mike (MJK) Smith (1950), David Parrish (1962) and Andrew Tivenan (1974)

9 SES News New Stamford Endowed Schools’ Principal and new Headmaster of Stamford School Stephen Roberts, who is turning 60 this year, is to retire in August 2016, having been Principal of the Endowed Schools for eight very successful years. The Governors have appointed Mr Will Phelan, current Head of Stamford School, as the Principal of the Stamford Endowed Schools, to take over from Stephen Roberts in August. Will Phelan’s successor as Head of Stamford School is to be Nick Gallop who will begin in September. The appointment panel was unanimous in selecting Mr Gallop who is a politics teacher and has an impressive experience in independent schools. For the last four years he has been Assistant Head and Head of Sixth Form at Portsmouth Grammar School where he was responsible for the creation of a new Sixth Form Centre, as well as for raising the standards of provision for the oldest students in the school. Prior to this he taught at Wellington College, where he was Head of Department and later a boarding Housemaster. Mr Gallop has coached 1st XV rugby and has written a number of articles for journals about education. He was educated at Repton School and Durham University and also has an MSc in Educational Leadership and Management. He is married with two young children.

The Foundation Lectures The SES Foundation Lectures continue to go from strength to strength. Over the last year the Schools have welcomed a diverse range of speakers talking about subjects that complement and go beyond the curriculum. The Foundation Lectures have included: • Dr James Grime – Enigma and the Secret World of Codes and Codebreaking • Dr Suzannah Lipscomb – Elizabeth I before the Armada • Will Gompertz – Think like an artist • Simon Singh – The Simpsons and their mathematical secrets • Levison Wood – Walking the Himalayas Lectures are free of charge and open to all. Pupils, parents, staff and alumni are particularly welcome. Full details about future lectures can be found on the SES website.

10 BBC Question Time Broadcast from Stamford School Hall On Thursday 28 January the BBC’s flagship political debate show, Question Time, was broadcast from the Oswald Elliott Hall (the School Hall) at Stamford School. The panel consisted of Transport Secretary Patrick Mcloughlin, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley Jess Phillips, SNP Westminster Leader Angus Robertson, author and writer for The Independent Yasmin Alibhai-Brown and CEO of M&C Saatchi Moray MacLennan. They tackled topical questions about the refugee crisis, Google and large corporations paying less tax, the costs of UK transport and the EU referendum. Earlier in the day David Dimbleby spent time with SES Sixth Form politics students and gave them an opportunity to become panellists and take part in their own political debate. The five student panellists had to field questions from their peers who were making up the audience. The Question Time production team also worked with SES Theatre Studies students during the day and allowed them to tour their production trailers and the set. This provided the students with a fascinating insight behind the scenes, including the huge tasks of transporting and building the set each week. The students had the privilege of speaking to the director about their interests in programme production and tips on how to enter the industry.

Drama Report It has been a very busy year for the Drama department with a combination of curricular and extra-curricular shows being rehearsed and performed. Last year’s main production was the SES Musical of Grease. With a cast of 48 students, a band of 8, a backstage crew of 10 and countless staff involved in directing, choreographing, conducting, chaperoning and more, this proved to be an enormously successful show. The summer term saw the lower school performance of Animal Farm. Michael Jordan, Y13, auditioned and workshopped his new production ‘And then they Gasped…’ a murder mystery ‘whodunit’ which he has written and successfully directed last term. GCSE students had their exam moderation recently and the visiting moderator from AQA was enormously impressed with the talent on display and the students were a credit to the hard work undertaken. Our AS and A2 students are drawing closer to their own final performances. The piece de resistance for the term was the senior schools production of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. In this, the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, our take on the play was to update to the 1980’s, a decade of greed, power suits and decadence which allowed the somewhat difficult themes of the play to find a new more acceptable world to exist in. An outstanding ensemble cast supported the show creating the world of the play and helping to bring to life some classic 80’s music linking the play together. Looking ahead, the lower school production of Peter Pan takes place at the end of the summer term.

11 Fundraising at Stamford – The Vital Importance of Bursaries Over the years the LEA County Scholarships, the Assisted Places Scheme and other programmes have enabled many local children to benefit from a Stamford education which, due to financial circumstances, would otherwise have not been available to them. All of these schemes are now gone and the Schools themselves are now the only source of funding. This long history of assistance with fees at Stamford means that it is part of the Schools’ DNA and fundamental to the character, culture and structure of the Schools and, in many ways, to the town of Stamford too. Demand for support is not diminishing – in fact the Schools are seeing an increasing demand for large bursaries – and their goal is to retain the level of assistance historically provided. The Schools, due to strong financial management, are able to provide some, but not all, funding for bursaries. In addition, the Governors, very wisely, built up a fund some years ago to help to compensate for the loss of the LEA Scholarships. This is currently being used to help address the short term need but will expire in 2018. As such, there are still both short term and long term funding requirements. Raising school fees to pay for bursaries would be self-defeating, taking the schools out of the reach of many current and prospective parents. The Schools therefore remain dependent upon the generosity of their supporters to help with this challenge.

Donations can be made a lump sums or covenanted over a number of years. Gifts of all sizes are welcome. Donors of £1,000 or more (£10 per month or more for seven years with Gift Aid) will be invited to join The Browne Society. Benefits of membership include a named seat in the Stamford School Hall, invitations to Browne Society events, regular news updates and, in the case of significant donations, the opportunity to name a room or space at Stamford School. Legacies are also most welcome. Anyone who informs that Schools that they have made provision for the Schools in their Will will be invited to join the new SES legacy society – The 1871 Society. Their generosity will be formally recognised and all members will be invited to an annual Society Lunch. The next lunch will take place in May in Stamford. If you would like more information about making a donation or leaving a legacy please contact the Foundation Director on 01780 750034.

Staff Valete Katherine Hawkswell – Mathematics Charlotte Walklin – Art Nick Faux – Chemistry and ICT David Jackson – PE and Head of Cricket

12 London OS Dinner and AGM This year’s London OS dinner was held on Wednesday 4th November at the RAF club, Piccadilly. The evening started in the American Bar before heading to the ballroom for the five course silver service meal. OS also enjoyed the loving cup ritual and then drinks in the Cowdray Lounge until the early hours. The dinner was well supported by OS both young and old, from last year’s Head Boy, Tom Davies, to the usual stalwarts who have been attending the dinner for more than 30 years. In total our company was 49 strong. The school was represented very well; it was a pleasure to welcome the Chairman of the Governors, Michael Dronfield, Jeremey Hammant the Chairman of the Foundation, Bill Chadwick the Deputy Headmaster and the new Foundation Assistant Dan Warren, who is also a recent leaver (OS 2010). We heard an address from Michael, about the current selection process for the new Stamford School Headmaster. Additionally, Bill delivered a charismatic report on the state of the school. Both speeches delivered with poise and wit and were well received by all diners. The London OS dinner is a very special event, and personally, my favourite in the OS calendar. I would urge any OS who are in London on Wednesday 2nd November, 2016, to attend and enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the RAF club amongst old friends. Indeed, the guest list is by no means confined to London. Rupert Mosley, an old faithful, flew in from Monaco and Bernie Tebb came from Thailand to attend the dinner! Finally, thanks must go to Paul West, Ian Brassington and Neil Patterson for their efforts in organising a wonderful evening. This Year’s Attendees were - Paul Adams, Mike Anstey, John Baxter, Oliver Bayldon, Ian Brassington, Bill Chadwick, David Cooke, Owen Cooke, Richard Collins, Jon Crompton, Tom Davis, David Denny, Alistair Dobson, Ed Dolby, Michael Dronfield, James Everitt, Anthony Farquar-Smith, Paul Farquar-Smith, Peter Furner, Patrick Gosling, Jeremy Hammant, Alan Hancock, Sam Harris, Neil Hendriksen, Tim Johnson, David Joyce, Will Joyce, Robin Lilley, Alan Maddox, Rupert Mosley, Gareth Owen, Drew Nicholson, Philip Nicholson, Angus Norris, Neil Paterson, Adam Poulter, Simon Richardson, Ben Rimmer, Tristan Roper-Caldbeck, Simon Stanley, Bernie Tebb, Liam Tebb, Nick Tebb, Julian Timm, Charlie Tonkins, Brian Tunnicliffe, Charlie Vivian, Dan Warren, Paul West. We look forward to seeing you again next year. Will Joyce, ’11 OS London Secretary Stamford Old Stamfordian Advent Lunch This was held for the first time at Toft Country House Hotel on Sunday 6th December with 40 attending. Under the supervision of the proprietor, Robert Reid, we were provided with an excellent festive three course turkey dinner. Toasts were given to the OS Club and to Alan Staveley for his imminent 99th Birthday and also to Colin Francis whose illness prevented his attendance. The School song was sung, ably led by OS School chorister David Lees My thanks go to Tony and Valerie Story for all their help in organising this event, now in its 10th year. John Cartwright

13 London Christmas Drinks OS London Christmas Drinks were held again amid the magnificent surroundings of the Old Bank of England pub on Fleet Street, in the heart of London’s historic legal district. A number of young OS, including both current under- graduates and recent graduates, as well as a number of individuals who have already established themselves in professional careers in and around London enjoyed a range of fine ales and chips. Seasonal banter and business cards were exchanged. This seriously informal pre-Christmas event is beginning to gain real traction and everyone agreed that a great evening was enjoyed by all. It will be held again later this year on Thursday 08 December – just before the end of university terms. Anyone living, working or studying in London – particularly more recent arrivals to the Smoke – should make a note of the date now.

Boston OS Annual Dinner 2015 The 9th Annual Dinner of recent years was held on Saturday 14th November 2015 at Boston & County Club. Dinner Co-Ordinator, Dudley Bryant, welcomed Old Stamfordians and wives, including P. Hoskins, B. Kime, J. Casswell,S. Stanley (OS Chairman), P. Brighton, P. West (London OS Chairman), G. Hopper, C. Tunnard, N. Fluck, and G. Aughton. We were joined by Headmaster, Will Phelan and his wife, Lorna, together with Rachel Petrie, Foundation Director, for a most enjoyable and convivial evening. We were royally entertained by Will Phelan and Simon Stanley, and Paul West sold some more OS goodies. Apologies were received from 22 Old Stamfordians, and we are all now looking forward to the 2016 Reunion. Paul West, Viv West, Geoff Aughton, Paul Brighton, Simon Stanley, Lorna Phelan, Will Phelan, Dudley Bryant, Philip Hoskins, Chris Tunnard, Margaret Hopper, John Casswell, Nick Fluck, Marie Casswell, Kath Bryant, Sue Wheatley, Gerry Hopper, Bob Kime, Barbara Kime Dudley Bryant, ’61

14 Reunion Weekend 2015 In the build up to this year’s Reunion Weekend the topic of conversation was more likely to be about the unpredictable world economy, what with Grexits and even Brexits much in the news, rather than the unpredictable nature of the summer’s weather. Luckily, those attending on the Saturday were able to enjoy the many activities that were taking place, bathed in glorious sunshine, although either side of this day, the weather remained its changeable self. The Reunion Weekend these days really is just that with a range of activities for OS of all ages and their families from Friday evening through to Sunday afternoon. The Friday evening saw three activities taking place: the Touch Rugby tournament, the Hog Roast both on Mainfields and in the centre of town at the Crown Hotel, 1965 leavers gathered with partners and other near contemporaries to celebrate their fiftieth anniversary of leaving school. There were other year group gatherings during the weekend, notably the 1985s ably aided and abetted by Vice-Chairman Neil Paterson, Immediate Past Chairman Bruce Dodworth and even the Chairman himself, Simon Stanley, all from that year. The Chairman was at pains to give a special welcome however, both at the AGM and later at the Lunch to those OS who had left in either 1940 or 1945, who had been at school during those difficult war years. From this latter group it was good to see notable OS, Peter Fancourt, John Riley and Leslie Thistelton. However, a particular welcome was reserved for Peter Johnson, who had left in 1939 just as the clouds of war were gathering. At the AGM on the Saturday morning the essential business of the Club was quickly dispatched with Simon Stanley being elected as the Club’s Chairman for a second term. A timely finish to proceedings in the marquee gave ample time for everyone to get across to the Reading Room next to the Chapel where Foundation Director Rachael Petrie was waiting to host a drinks party, explain the success of the Campaign for Stamford and of course the need for even more funds to keep the various projects going.

The OS Committee 2015-16

15 From there it was just a short step for everyone to gather in the Oswald Elliott Hall (until recently the School Hall but now renamed in memory of an OS Head Boy who fell in the Great War) where an excellent lunch was served to well over a hundred OS and guests. The Chairman reported that the Club was in robust health and proposed a toast to the School and the Headmaster Will Phelan, who responded by telling everyone about the successes achieved by the School and its pupils and ended with a toast to the OS Club. Earlier at the AGM, Honorary Life Membership (HLM) had been granted to Alan Hancock and Paul West and at the end of lunch their citations were read out and they were presented with their HLM ties by the Chairman. Their respective ladies were also presented with some flowers. There then followed a surprise presentation (at least for the author of this report) to Alan Maddox for what the Chairman described as thirteen years as OS Secretary and decades of service to the OS Club. After lunch there were tours of the School, swimming in the pool or just watching the OS v School cricket match where the OS batsmen appeared to be regularly sending the ball to the boundary. This may well have led to a slightly over confident declaration, for the OS bowlers were given similar treatment and by about 6.30pm the OS total had been overhauled by the School’s early order batsmen. A good tea and sunshine provided a pleasant afternoon interlude for OS of many generations to reminisce around the marquee. As the cricket came to a close the barbecue was ready and throughout the evening about seventy OS, High School OG and guests enjoyed a summer’s evening relaxing on Mainfields over a pint or three. By Sunday morning the weather had changed and for the second year running drinks after the Chapel Service had to be held indoors. During the closing prayers the names of those OS

16 and others from the school community known to have passed away in the last year were read out. Luckily the rain left off sufficiently for an OS XI to play against Tolethorpe in the Tommy Wright memorial cricket match and thus rounding off yet another great Reunion Weekend.

This then will be my final Reunion Dispatch and whilst it is tempting to reflect on the changing shape of reunion over the last decade or so, it is really the people who have worked so hard to make our reunions so successful to whom I wish to pay tribute; a real “mentioned in dispatches”. The planning and organisation of reunion usually these days falls heavily on the shoulders of the Vice-Chairman and this year’s successful weekend was no exception with Neil Paterson doing a marvellous job. He would almost certainly wish to pay tribute to Bruce Dodworth, Ian Plant, David Browne and John Smith his predecessors, who have carved out such a successful mould for him to follow. They in turn over the years have been ably assisted in the more general arrangements by Mark Walmsley and John Hughes, whilst in the organisation of sport Adam Rimmer, Will Clough, John Smith and Bruce Dodworth have all played their part. Paul West has done much over the years to swell the ranks of those attending reunions, especially from year groups of 1960s leavers and this year was no exception with his help being given to Peter Liddle, who was organising the event at the Crown Hotel, mentioned earlier. In recent years, John Cartwright and Colin Francis have provided the facilities for those OS,

Friends reunited

17 mostly leavers from the 1950s and even earlier, who wish to gather for a pleasant evening meal together. All the various elements have to be captured in words and promoted to our members and this is so aptly done by Mike Chew with the Updates and until recently through Simon Stanley in the Newsletter. Of course reunion would hardly have the same meaning if it was not held at Stamford School and this is only made possible through the fulsome cooperation and support of the Principal, Stephen Roberts and the Headmaster, Will Phelan, who are constantly generous with their time and the warmth of their welcome. Their helpful approach is fortunately mirrored by their staff upon whom we have to rely heavily, people such as David Laventure, Head of Sport for the Touch Rugby, Chris Finch at the Sports Centre, Penny Hudson for all the catering and Jimmy Duff in estate management. A special mention has to go to Rachael Petrie and Maxine Weeks, who will only ever tell you that they are just doing their job. However they provide the glue that holds all the elements of a successful reunion weekend together, from accepting registrations in the weeks before -hand and preparing name badges, to organising the Friday Hog Roast and then registering everyone attending on the Saturday. As I visited the various events of this year’s Reunion Weekend, I could only be grateful for the dedication of these people and many more who help out and to realise what a privilege it had been to work alongside them. My thoughts were only interrupted by the sounds of bat on ball, the chink of raised glasses and convivial conversation, such are the true sounds of a successful Reunion Weekend with not a whiff of European politics in sight. Alan Maddox, Secretary The Andrew Carter Shield 26th June 2015 saw another epic contest of touch rugby. We hosted teams from both the upper and lower sixth recognising their imminent progression to membership of the illustrious Old Stamfordian Club along with 1985 leavers who as always proved remarkably difficult to score past given their defensive organisation. It was a contest of tactics, skill and speed that did not fail to deliver excitement and enjoyment for all involved. We estimate in the region of 200 members of both the OS Club and Old Girls Guild were competing in the cup or spectating. The final was a close contest between the mighty 2007 leavers (two-time champions of the event), further bolstered by the return of their fly half who flew all the way from Brisbane to represent his year group, and the 2015 leavers who marked their imminent entrance to the Old Stamfordian Club with a close victory – a year group to watch in the future. Special thanks must go to the SES Foundation for once again providing an excellent hog roast for competitor/spectator enjoyment and to Dave Laventure for his assistance in organising the event. This year promises to see more of the same with the event starting at 17:30 on Friday 1st July 2016. Please contact either Dave Laventure ([email protected]), Gareth Hook ([email protected]), Adam Rimmer ([email protected]) or Cameron Park ([email protected]) to express an interest in entering a team or for further details. Cameron Park, ’07

18 Old Stamfordian XI v School 1st XI Saturday afternoon of Reunion Weekend is an important sporting match for the Old Stamfordian Club; the OS XI plays the school 1st XI on Mainfields. This is a fiercely competitive fixture, and each year the OS club fields a strong side, often comprising a long list of former 1st X1 graduates. This year, there was a change in command and the Club welcomed their new captain, Gareth Hook (OS ’11), who takes over from Will Clough (OS ’03). The School won the toss and put the Club into bat. All nostalgia was brushed aside as Jamie Richardson (OS ’14) and Henry Charlton (OS ’14) together built a strong opening partnership. Charlton eventually fell for 48 runs to a catch at mid-on. Richardson’s superb performance finally ended with a score of 84 runs. After the drinks break the OS X1 had 6 wickets in hand and the captain’s instructions were to score 50 more runs. We finally declared on 196-6 – a competitive total however, it left the match evenly poised for an exciting run-chase. The Club had 40 overs to bowl out the school. The Club bowled tightly and a couple of early wickets saw the school reduced to 30-3. However, the School middle-order was strong and wavering bowling meant that the School were back in the game and they passed 100 runs without losing any more wickets. After a strong run-chase the School won with 5 overs and 3 wickets remaining. In particular, the School number 5 batsman scored 110 runs; this was a tremendous individual performance – a standout recruit for the OS team in a few years to come. The match was enjoyed by players and supporters alike and importantly, the result is recorded in the school Wisden statistics. Will Clough, ’05 Awards of Honorary Life Membership of the OS Club 2015 Alan Hancock – taught at the School for ten years during the 1970’s as a well respected Head of Department and Housemaster – filling the oversized shoes of a certain Randy Shelford. Alan completed his teaching career elsewhere but returned to Stamford and joined the OS Committee as a co-opted member in 2007. He then took the unusual step of applying for full OS membership and duly became an elected member of the committee in 2008. In 2009 Alan stepped into the vacant role of Membership Secretary and has made it his own ever since, ensuring through his diligence and tenacity that many lapsed OS members have rejoined the Club and a number of School leavers in their later years have taken out membership for the first time. Alan is held in high regard by his fellow committee members and in considering his nomination many recollected benefiting from Alan’s measured and wise counsel. Paul West – first elected to the OS Committee in 1988, Vice Chairman in 1999 and Chairman for one year in 2000 before stepping down and immediately becoming Treasurer an office which he held until 2006. Paul has single handedly taken on the venture of procuring OS merchandise and generating a revenue stream which is now an important contributor to Club funds. The hallmark of Paul’s commercial activities must be the recent sale of over thirty flamboyant OS blazers now worn with pride by those Club members looking to maintain standards of sartorial elegance. Since 2010 Paul has been Chairman of the London OS and this branch of the Club goes from strength to strength as witnessed by those attending the annual dinner at the RAF Club. In addition Paul has found the time to be a Trustee ofthe Endowed Schools’ Foundation.

19 Nominations to Serve on the Committee from 2016 The Committee of the OS Club will be elected at the Club’s AGM to be held on the Saturday of Reunion Weekend, 2nd July 2016. The Committee invites nominations from the membership to serve on the Committee. Nominations need to be received by the Secretary in writing at least two months prior to the AGM that is to say by 2nd May. Members may nominate themselves but their nomination must be supported by at least one other member. If the nominee wishes to stand for a particular office then this should be indicated at the time of nomination, otherwise it will be assumed that the nomination is to serve on the general committee. Any member needing assistance with a nomination or who requires further information about serving on the Committee generally, should contact the Secretary, whose details can be found in the Newsletter. David Denney, Secretary to the Committee, (2015 -)

The Rev Tommy Wright Memorial Cricket Match The Tommy Wright cricket match is played each year against Tolethorpe. The venue alternates and this year the OS hosted Tolethorpe on Mainfields on the sunny Sunday afternoon of reunion weekend. The OS team comprised a fine combination of old stalwarts and fresh faces who wanted to enjoy a gentlemanly and nostalgic game of cricket. The two OS openers Will Joyce and Oliver Keeling were dismissed early and Tolethorpe looked in charge of the game. However Mike Blissett showed purposeful intent to take the OS past 50 runs. The OS continued to build on this momentum and Adam Chapman scored an excellent ton. The OS went into tea in a strong position on 187-5. The catering staff at Stamford provided an excellent match tea; this was enjoyed by all, including the 30 spectators who had come to support the match. Tolethorpe then prepared for a challenging run chase. Ironically the Tolethorpe team contained 2 OS (Andy Bullimore and Andy Brown) a current Stamfordian (Peter Blissett) and Andrew Murphey, the Deputy Head of Stamford High School, in their line-up. They fought a hard battle and eventually ended 30 runs short of the OS total, as they were bowled out with 3 overs left. David Joyce, Mike Blissett, Chris Fox and Dan Stamp should be mentioned in despatches for their admirable bowling performances. Neil Patterson the OS vice chairman was invited to present the cup to the victorious OS captain Mike Blissett. Neil gave a short vote of thanks, showing appreciation to the school for their hospitality, and the tea ladies, scorers and umpires; all of whom made the occasion a great success. The 2016 match will be held at Tolethorpe. I would like to invite all OS who would like to play, to contact the fixture organiser David Joyce (OS ’78), whose details are on the OS website. Will Joyce, ’11

20 Reunion Weekend 2016 – Year Group Reunions Year Group Co-ordinators 2011 Will Joyce Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07462750 933 Gareth Hook Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07534 801037 2006 Adam Rimmer Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07969 057940 2001 Peter Scott Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07762 675204 1996 David Clyde Email: [email protected] 1986 Martyn Atkins Email: [email protected] Mobile 07884 434979 Johnny Fenn Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07979 490699 1981 Richard Allen Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07885 135557 1976 Kenneth Hughes Email: [email protected] 1961 Dudley Bryant Email: [email protected] Anyone wishing to assist by acting as a Year Group Co-ordinator is asked to contact Neil Paterson ([email protected]) in the first instance. Digital payment details Electronic payment facilities are available for Reunion events. Bank details are: Account name: Old Stamfordian Club Sort Code: 40-43-05 Account no: 90632031 Bank: HSBC Bank PLC Branch: High Street, Stamford

The Heyday of Scouting at Stamford School The early 1950’s saw three Scout Troops at the School and also Air Scouts. At its peak, the School had some 180 boys on the Scout roll. During term time, weekend camps were held at Tolethorpe and day training camps took place at Shacklewell Hollow and in the Meadows, in preparation for the “Pinder Cup” competition, awarded to the best patrol in Stamford District. During the summer holidays, camps took place, typically in North Wales, the Lake District, the New Forest or at Gilwell Park in Essex.. Perhaps the most memorable was that at Ingleton in the Pennines, memorable because the site was on a dried up river bed. Persistent torrential rain at a time when sewn in groundsheets were not available, brought the camp to a sodden and premature end. The impetus and encouragement for the troops was generated by a number of Masters of the day, notably “Whisky” Wainwright, DV (Don) Miller, Bartle

21 Frere. Roy Sutton, Bob Bailey, Rex Kinghorn, Richard Chapman and Dickon Sinker. In 1950 The School entered patrols in the Lincolnshire County Competition to find the best patrol. This involved camping over the weekend at Hartsholme Park, Lincoln, where every aspect of campsite activity was inspected and tested. Stamford School emerged triumphant, with the winning patrol (the Herons) returning to the town with “the County Flag” The patrol was made up by EH (Eddie) Harris (Leader) with Peter Atkinson, David Herring, Martin (Bunny) Hare, Ian Manchester and myself (see photo attached) and where are they now? The following year, another School patrol (the Horses) took part in the annual County competition again at Hartsholme Park, under the leadership, this time, of Bunny Hare with Ian Manchester again included. They brought the Flag and the trophy back to Stamford. In the same year, The 7th World Jamboree took place at Bad Ischl in Austria, at a time when post war occupation by the Americans was very much in evidence. The British Contingent, which mustered nearly 3000, included a party from Stamford School, who had achieved the rank of 1st Class and was led by Don Miller. Travel was by train, crossing the channel by ferry, from Newhaven to Dieppe. A three week “holiday” for £3. 10s! The Stamford School party comprised, apart from Don Miller, Mike Blackall. John Benns, Peter Bliss, John Spencer, Alan Nickerson and myself. On the 6th February 1952 the King died and preparations began for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth in the following year. The date was set for the 2nd of June. Queens Scouts were invited to attend to sell programmes on the Mall or to be on “umbrella duty” at the Abbey. The forecast was for rain. The School had four Queen’s Scouts by this time, John (Nuncy) Benns, Mike (Darkie) Blackall, Peter Bliss and myself. John Benns, Mike Blackall and I volunteered for duty. We travelled to London the day before and spent the night sleeping on the concrete floor (no mattress) in the Royal Horticultural Hall in Vincent Square. We were in position outside the Palace by 06.30 on the day. It was already raining. We witnessed the Gold State Coach, bearing the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh pass by, pulled by eight grey geldings, followed by what appeared to be an endless procession of dignitaries from the Commonwealth, including Queen Salote of Tonga, in an open carriage, holding her umbrella, and by ranks of marching military. The service was relayed by loudspeaker from the Abbey and Her Majesty returned at 16.30 with a procession of some 16,000, taking two hours to pass by. It was a very long day and we returned to Stamford tired but full of the special memory of the privilege of having played a part, albeit small, in the celebration. On the 21st of June a Coronation Thanksgiving Service was held at Westminster Abbey. seven Scouts from Stamford School attended, including John Benns and Mike Blackall. Where are they now? Eddie Harris is sadly deceased; David Herring is farming in North Lincolnshire, Peter Atkinson, is a retired Surgeon living in North Yorkshire; Bunny Hare is a retired company director living in Surrey; Ian Manchester, a semi retired farmer in Leicestershire and John Cartwright, a retired barrister who is currently a Governor of the English Speaking Union. John Cartwright

22 The Old Stamfordian Club Bursaries – helping to make ambitions come true OS bursaries to members of the Club are an important means by which it fulfils one of its main objectives. It therefore accepts applications from both individuals and groups, such as teams or choirs, which are generally focused on one or both of two categories – “Travel” – a post- leaving project involving travel, although not necessarily in a gap year. Preference is usually be given to more adventurous proposals containing elements of personal challenge or social benefit (such as working in an orphanage for street children in Calcutta) but awards may also be made for more routine projects (such as teaching overseas); and “Ambitious Goals” – where applicants who display talent and promise in sporting or cultural spheres can apply for assistance with the costs incurred in pursuing their ambitions. There are some qualifying parameters to be observed, including that only applications from members of the OS Club or students currently in Year 13 are considered (those applying for Club funds while still at School must commit to joining the Club immediately on leaving School); that OS applicants will normally have left the School within the last five years; that an application is considered more favourably if it can be demonstrated that the activity for which funding is being sought will in turn be of service or benefit to others; that the OS bursary is only one party of the overall funding package required for the venture; and that, not least important, in return for a bursary the applicant should be able to suggest ways of engaging with the Club in the future, for example, by producing a report of his activities for inclusion in one of the Club’s publications or offering to serve the Club in some position or other. In fulfilment of this latter requirement, an edited selection of some reports is given below to illustrate the type of ambition and personal challenges which the Club have been able to support recently.

Zac Pywell – The 2015 Adelaide Duathlon World Championships “It has been an amazing ten days here in Adelaide, preparing and racing and I’m so fortunate to say that I’ve now been able to travel to the far side of the world competing in the sport I love and it has been such a privilege to race amongst such strong competition here, having what seems to be hundreds of Aussies turning up, and I’m so thankful for all the help I’ve received in order to get here and to where I am now. Waking up at 5am to shower, eat and do my final preparations, we left the house to go to “transition” for 6:15am. Arriving there I attached my bottles, gels, changed the gears, inflated my tyres, attached my shoes, placed my helmet and other pair of running shoes next to the bike and did a last minute run through to remember where the bike was and look at the mount and dismount line. After dropping off my bag, warming up and standing in the long queue for the toilets as always, I left to go to the start line. Walking there with some of the other athletes we all wished each other good luck and waited for the horn to sound.

23 After a few minutes the horn sounded and the 2015 Adelaide Standard Distance Duathlon World Championship was underway. After a quick look at my watch and realising that we set off perhaps a bit too fast, 21.8kph, I slowed down slightly and thankfully so did most people around me. Splitting up the course into sections helped me continue to push myself close to what I was capable of, checking my watch every so often to make sure that I wasn’t slacking, whilst trying to keep good form. There were a few short and steep sections just to test and keep the legs warm but I kept on pushing and even with my ribs beginning to hurt and knee tingle, I still felt strong, perhaps the strongest I’ve felt whilst running a 10km in a duathlon. The training has obviously paid off and I can at least feel that I’m improving. Watching others around me, the pace was at points quite high but I managed to keep going and I gave it nearly all I had, conserving a bit for the bike. Passing under the numerous bridges, I was cheered on by the GB Team and supporters from all kinds of nationalities, which made the race feel even more and it gave me a big boost. Even doing my best, I found the leaders start to pull off into the distance and there seemed to be nothing I could do about it. I would just have to ace the bike and then hold them off again on the last run. Coming back from my second lap, I ran up the hill into transition and then ran back down dropping off my shoes, picking up my helmet and collecting my bike before running back up to get onto the road to mount onto the bike. A long transition but I was soon out on the bike and off chasing down the leaders. I was completely in my zone, and absolutely loving it. There were four laps of the bike, each around 10km, which gave me a chance to get used to the course, this time on my TT bike, and get used to the feeling of the new tubs and repaired upgrades. After each corner I gained a bit of confidence and was able to hit each corner a bit faster but occasionally felt my back wheel go out a bit, which added to the fun of it all.

24 After reaching the top you went round a small square park, which was fun due to the wide, smooth roads with 90 degree bends. Swooping around the last bend, missing the only top cover on the whole course, I maintained the power downhill and started to pick up the speed quickly to over 65kph, overtaking all those being more cautious. The fun downhill section was soon over though and it was time to take a left turn at the crossroads. It was a good idea that some of us did a bike recce beforehand as I think a few people went straight over after not being able to slow down in time. After braking perhaps slightly too much, I stood up and tried to get back up to speed. Past the roaring crowds again and back over the speed ramp. Dismounting like a pro, followed by a quick run to my transition area, I racked my bike and put on my trainers and ran down to the exit, coming out of transition in 44 seconds, which was the 3rd fastest time out of everyone. What a result!! The last 5km of the race had begun, this time only one lap of the first run. It was the last time I’d pass each point and I knew that. Knocking off section by section whilst trying to fight off the cramp in both my quads, I actually overtook more people than those that overtook me. This time I found myself not trying to hold on to my position like normal during the run but actually making places up… wow!!! All the way round that final lap I pushed myself to the absolute max. I had a few battles with people and found myself side-by-side with an Australian and Canadian but after a while I’d push on past them and it felt good. I was actually going faster and feeling strong, alternating between my legs feeling like they were going to collapse and feeling like they were flying. A weird feeling but I enjoyed it and at the second to last bridge I tried to increase the pace slightly. Not much faster as I was already giving it everything but I wanted to make sure there was nothing left. Last bridge, a final turn back on yourself and up hill to join the road. With only 150m left and a person 5m behind me, I was just hoping he didn’t have a big sprint on him, there wasn’t long left. Arms up to cross the line, I was relieved … it was all done. The race in Adelaide had finished and what a race. A slight mistake that cost me around 2.5 minutes but one of the best races I’ve done. Felt strong, raced hard and gave it everything I had and even with the injuries and pain a fantastic race and couldn’t have changed anything. It’s also the first time I’ve ended up in the medical tent after a standard distance duathlon or triathlon and needing help to get there. Finally finishing 11th and 2nd Brit, prequalifying for Worlds next year.”

25 Tom Herbert – broadening my horizons “Australia has always been a country that fascinates me. In Year 13 I decided that the best way for me to make a visit a reality, living amongst the locals, was to participate in the study abroad exchange scheme at university. Despite the broad range of destinations to choose from, including Mexico, Hong Kong and the U.S.A, I decided Australia was the place for me and applied for a semester at the University of Melbourne. Having achieved the required grade in first year, I packed my bags, said goodbye to my friends and family and began my six month stint in Melbourne in July 2015. Fortunately, university in Australia is in many ways

similar to the U.K and I was quickly able to adapt to the teaching style. The students I met were some of the friendliest people I’ve come ever across (aside from the odd pommie joke and mocking England’s early World Cup exit) and I now have good friends who I can call upon in Australia, New Zealand and the U.S.A. As a Geography student I’m used to standing in a field in the rain and cold doing fieldwork and so this time thoroughly enjoyed a fieldtrip to the Grampians national park, camping in the bush at night and studying the amazing landscapes under the Oz sun over the course of 3 days. I had many incredible experiences during my time away, including scuba-diving the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Daintree Rainforest and even a weekend skiing (despite the t-shirt weather). Studying abroad has made me more independent and more willing to take the opportunities that come my way, even if there are unknown elements. Exchange was an experience that I could not recommend more highly to future university students, expanding your network of friends globally, giving your education a new perspective and giving you the chance to see the world along the way.”

The guidelines for applications for bursaries can be obtained from David Denney, Secretary, using the address given under the list of the Club’s Officers below.

26 Obituaries Alan Staveley (OS 1924 - 35) Headmaster 1968 - 78 Humphrey Alan Staveley was born in Stamford on 10 December 1916, the son of a senior Customs & Excise official and one-time organist at St. Mary’s Church. He was one of three brothers all of whom attended Stamford School. He began at Stamford in 1924, aged eight, and remained there until 1935. At that time the School, with the Rev. John Duncan Day as Headmaster, comprised a mere 200 boys and 13 members of staff. Discipline was strict and enforced by the cane, frequently and sometimes at length. (Prefects, too, could administer corporal punishment). Expulsion was common; a boy found at the Fair after 6pm, for example, would have warranted automatic expulsion. There was no central heating and the timetable was tougher. There was no Big School, no Little School, no Science block, no cafeteria and no library. Needless to say, there was no swimming pool, even outdoors, (with any swimming done in the Welland from the Meadows). As a pupil, Alan was involved in many sides to school life: as a School prefect, a Sergeant in the O.T.C., representing the School at tennis and chess, and the house at rugby and cricket; he was a member of the editorial committee of the Stamfordian, and sang solo parts in musical productions. A Classicist, Alan went up to Trinity College, Oxford – as did both his brothers. He won a scholarship to the university but on hearing that the organist at Trinity received £50 a year, Alan applied for the role and got the job – funds were tight! He graduated with a double first in Classics and Modern Greats. With the outbreak of War, in 1939 Alan tried to enter the Armed Forces, however, his poor eyesight prevented this and he went on to teach, initially at Glenalmond School in Scotland. At the height of the Blitz, a most significant Christmas Day occurred as it was then that Alan met his wife, Joan, at the Bessemer Grange Hotel in South-East London. Joan, it would seem, actually liked the look of Alan’s eldest brother, Geoffrey, at first, but when the carpet was rolled back for dancing and Alan took to the piano, it was a done deal! Eager to ‘do his bit’ Alan then became a ‘Whitehall Warrior’ as private secretary, firstly, to the Minister of Labour (Ernie Bevin) and latterly the Minister of Reconstruction (Lord Woolton).

27 In 1945 Alan returned to teaching and joined the staff of Rugby School where he taught until 1958, before taking up his first Headship of the Lawrence Sheriff Grammar School. There he oversaw major expansion including new biology labs and a new gymnasium. In 1968 Alan gained his dream job when he succeeded Basil Deed as Headmaster of Stamford. It was a difficult period. It had already been decided to expand the School from 650 to 850 boys but the place required some modernising. Thus, circumstances made him a builder: of the dining hall, another floor on the science school, squash courts, the Music School and elsewhere. And although he may not have wished to be remembered as a builder he deserves credit for these valuable improvements to the amenities of the School, much of it financed by the appeal he did so much to inspire. The youth of that period were not merely apathetic towards authority but positively anti-establishment and needed careful handling. As Alan himself observed, as a result of modernisation, schools became happier places and “you no longer felt that you were sitting, occasionally, on the edge of a volcano.” During his time so many aspects of School life benefited, expanded or improved and this was down to his drive and leadership. The School grew from a three-stream to a four- stream establishment and he also oversaw the decision to transform it from Direct Grant to independent. Besides the successful modernisation, and more important than the buildings, the most obvious of Alan’s contributions was the character of the School’s community. Having been there as a pupil for 11 years, and as a frequent visitor on OS days, he knew it inside-out, of course. But he was able to impress his own personality onto the School and this surely is the most remarkable of this achievements. He inspired the community with his own special brand of warmth and understanding. Indeed, his prolific enthusiasm for many different activities, his fair-mindedness and genuine understanding will long be remembered by those who knew him. He was renowned at both his Headships for knowing the first names of every boy despite (at Stamford) an establishment of over 800 – and often their parents’ names as well. This facility was substantiated by witnesses time and time again. He retained a concern for the progress of every boy, whether it was in the classroom, at drama or music or on the games field. His personal interest would join them in their successes and share their disappointments. Yet he was not a ‘soft touch’; he took the view that provided no real harm was intended when, for example, boys were caught skiving off in town, or taking tea at the Bay Tree rather than doing cross country, or perpetrating a practical joke that went wrong, the main problem was that the boys had allowed themselves to be caught. Even when someone crossed the line and was held to account there would generally be a very fair, and sometimes quite indulgent meeting which usually ended in words not of remonstration but of encouragement – and best wishes to the family, often by name. He thereby earned the willing respect of the boys rather than simply commanded it.

28 In addition to a knowledge of each individual, he also won the esteem of the School. Not for him the solution based on administrative convenience, or an uncaring and inflexible discipline. Rather, he carefully considered any problem before making up his mind and sought to foster a spirit of give-and-take between the different elements of an active, bustling school. He was also a frequent visitor to the masters’ common room, was always available and approachable and this was something the staff appreciated. He was also a man of the Town, where he had grown up, and did a great deal there to strengthen the bond between Stamford and the School and enhance the reputation of the latter. He was active in the Stamford Concerts Committee, the Rotary Club, the Arts Centre, the College for Further Education, as President of the Old Stamfordian Club, of which he was a loyal supporter, and the Direct Grant Committee of the Headmasters Conference. And all this before he retired. Alan stepped down in 1979 and enjoyed a fulfilling retirement in the Rutland village of Wing for 28 years. He was someone who boys – not just Old Boys – quite naturally popped round to see and ensure he was enjoying his retirement. As an accomplished key-board player, for some 25 of these years he was the organist of his parish church at Wing. Aged 91, he moved to Oak House Residential Home in Greetham when his sight finally failed him but even there he was a general ‘force for good’, lifting the spirits of other residents and even on occasion acting as arbiter when other individuals might be at odds. He was a continuing inspiration, even into his late 90s and his interest, concern and friendship will all the staff and carers, their lives, and ups and downs became almost legendary. He was also an avid Daily Telegraph crossworder. One visitor recalls seeing the blank crossword folded on the table and it was suggested they do it together. “I just need six down” said Alan. “Blank-A-blank-S-blank-M-blank-blank.” In fact, other than this clue he had completed the whole thing in his head without needing to fill it in as he went along. He was superbly intelligent and always a gentleman in a rather under-stated, English way. It was only when you engaged in conversation that you had to marvel at the incredible breath of knowledge he had acquired over his lifetime, and his enthusiasm to share his thoughts with those who were interested. Without a doubt, and in spite of a wonderful life of work and influence, Alan’s greatest love was his family. He and Joan had two sons, David and Peter and at the time of his death had seven grandchildren and a remarkable fourteen great-grandchildren. His love for Joan and their marriage of over 60 years was a testament to that. He visited her in the nursing home in Peterborough six days out of seven for over two years until her death. His extraordinary ability to recall names and incidents over his lifetime stayed with him until the end. As the patriarch of the family he was extraordinary at remembering key dates like birthdays and anniversaries, not just those of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren but daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. He always sent cards, gifts and invariably telephone as well. After going blind he recalled all their phone numbers in his head.

29 Despite the complexity of his mind he was a very simple man, having no desire for consumer goods or clothes, relying on Joan and his sons at Christmas and birthdays to keep his wardrobe in some sort of shape. His only desire for a car was one that started when you turned the key and got you from A to B, a wish that was not really realised until his retirement when he bought a new one for the first time. His first love was for people, not things. He knew as much and cared as much about the lives of the dinner lady or groundsman as he did about the teaching staff and at the core of it was his love of educating young people for life, a life’s work conducted with humanity and humility. Alan was a committed Christian and many times gave the address in the School chapel and as a guest in other schools. One OS has recorded visiting him over Christmas 2015, his mind as sharp as ever. They chatted for a little while about the wonders of the world and between them put them right. In a bittersweet moment of contemplation, Alan remarked: “Many a cricketer is bowled out for 99.” And it will come as no surprise to those who knew him that he was philosophical to the end. There was no hint of fear or self-pity, only perhaps a quiver of excitement in his query: “But what comes next, though, eh? What comes next?” For him the puzzle was to become a little clearer perhaps sooner rather than later. He was a man whose genuine interest he showed in the people around him, their lives, joys and challenges made a positive difference to people, not only to thousands of boys who remember him with great affection and recognition of the wonderful influence he had but even to vulnerable people during his retirement who welcomed his kind words, sage counsel and infectious laughter. He died on 22 February and his funeral was held at his erstwhile parish church of St Peter and St Paul at Wing on 7 March.

Geoffrey John Timm Headmaster 1978 - 1997 Geoffrey Timm was born on 1 November 1939 in the Fenland village of Gosberton, near Spalding. He attended Spalding Grammar School then Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. It was in Cambridge that he met Anna, his wife–to-be. She was in England to learn English and fell for the young Geoffrey, despite her father’s warnings about the general untrustworthiness of Englishmen – and Churchill in particular. On graduation, Geoffrey was faced with a choice between a lucrative career with a multi-national corporation or teaching at Fettes. He chose the latter and once there he threw himself

30 into being a schoolmaster in the very fullest sense. He became hugely involved in coaching rugby, and especially cricket, besides captaining the prestigious Grange (cricket) Club in Edinburgh. Some would say (although he was not among them) that another notable feature at Fettes was teaching Tony Blair to speak French. Many years later much was made of Blair’s role in securing the London Olympics, not least through being able to address the delegates in the Olympic language, for which we have Geoffrey to thank. From Fettes, he went on to Bishop’s Stortford as Head of Modern Languages, and a boarding Housemaster. If not already fully living the ‘school experience’, he did then, and pretty much adopted dozens of young men, many of whom were somewhat lost at boarding school. After Bishop’s Stortford Geoffrey arrived in Stamford in September 1978. He guided the School through the Children’s Act, SATS and modularising examinations and coursework. He also became a builder: new Browne House, the refurbishment of School House, of Clapton, and the Maths and Computer departments. (When he joined the School, calculators were a rarity but he introduced suites of computers on a school-wide network, which had a tremendous impact on both learning and administration.) There was also an all-weather pitch, the Sports Hall, the rebuilt Art Shack, the purchase of the O’Briens Arms and the splendid refurbishment of the decrepit, soot-black edifice of Brazenose House – referred to him as ‘the Old Lady’. These were not just down to his professional responsibility as headmaster but a testimony to his respect and love, for the ancient fabric of the School. Geoffrey also appointed well, and having selected and appointed staff, he would identify talents and nurture them and get the best out of them. He trusted staff to do their job; he showed interest and concern, and gave advice but never interfered and always backed them. In return many would have done anything he asked. To celebrate in 1982 the 450th anniversary of the School’s foundation, he commissioned a young master, Trevor Newton, to write a play – which became an extravaganza. This surely remains a landmark in Stamford’s history and was as much a credit to Geoffrey’s imagination and ambition as to Trevor’s pen. Music was perhaps less Geoffrey’s natural milieu but he was always present in the audience and was passionate about encouraging participation and excellence in others. Staff loved to mimic Geoffrey. All the teachers could manage an impersonation complete with those hand gestures Geoffrey always employed, but although they loved to lampoon him they did so with affection borne of their respect and admiration. (Unbeknown to most of them Geoffrey was a superb mimic himself and often slipped into the character of a difficult colleague in impersonations that were, on occasions, rather mischievous.) Although he certainly did recruit some excellent staff, the most important figure around the School was undoubtedly Geoffrey himself. It was entirely appropriate that when the Middle School launched its newspaper, it wittily adopted the title ‘The Stamford Timms’. It was amazing was how well he knew the boys – not only all of their names, without exception, but also details of their families, their previous schools, and so on – his memory was truly

31 encyclopaedic. Though he did some teaching of Modern Languages, and so-called Divinity classes he taught to every single boy in the Thirds, his main contact with them came in the assemblies he delivered. These took place twice a week, first thing on a Monday morning, with the rest of the staff seated behind him on the stage, and then on Fridays, when he stood on stage alone, with the whole school body before him and the prefects in the aisles keeping order. On each occasion, Geoffrey would stand towering over the lectern, addressing his audience without the aid of a microphone. These addresses weren’t always religious in character; often he would talk on contemporary issues, keeping the boys up to date with important current events and political issues. He was a true polymath, and his subject matter was extremely wide-ranging. Some were based on Tennyson’s ‘Ring Out Wild Bells’, Larkin’s ‘The Whitsun Weddings’, and Betjeman’s ‘The bells of waiting Advent ring’. He seldom repeated any of his topics, although the Greek word ‘agape’ is recalled as recurring from time to time! He paid close attention to minutiae such as the hymns sung in chapel, the line-up of sports teams, the menu for lunches and the way in which the blue book was printed, and he wasn’t slow to advise if they weren’t to his liking. Everything went across his desk. His Headship was an autocracy but a kindly, benign and caring one. His interests were extremely diverse. He loved attending all sports, as well as musical concerts, plays, and musicals. He was clearly extremely knowledgeable about rugby, but it was no secret that he was particularly keen on cricket, as a glance at the row of Wisdens on the shelves in his study soon confirmed. He was regarded as a more than handy batsman in his day. Cricket tours to Australia, Rugby tours to South Africa and golf tours to Scotland all began under him. Geoffrey instinctively appreciated the best ways for the School to develop. He also had the happy knack of convincing others of his vision and taking them with him. He did have blind spots and one of them was Information Technology. This was not his strongest suit and he may have hoped it might go away if he ignored it. At one Heads of Department meeting the Head of Physics, John Speak, had been on a course and was very animated about a new development he had learned about. He shared it enthusiastically making bold claims as to its future impact on all aspects of life, and on education in particular. Geoffrey listened politely and then rather condescendingly reassured the meeting that Mr Speak was, very probably, getting over-excited and that they needn’t concern themselves overmuch with what was very likely just the latest fad. As it turned out, however, the Internet did indeed make quite an impact. Geoffrey was also a very generous host. He and Anna would regularly lay on convivial dinners in the Headmaster’s house for a wide range of events and guests – entertaining language exchange staff, touring sports teams, visiting musicians and so on. They also invited new staff to a reception in their house at the start of each new school year. Most memorably, at the end of every summer term, staff and their partners were invited by the Headmaster to a formal dinner in the school hall. These occasions provided some favourite staff memories of Stamford School. Not only did they allow farewells to be expressed

32 to departing colleagues, they were, on very special occasions, followed by light-hearted, satirical staff revues. These presented a series of sketches gently joshing a wide range of staff, including – or especially – Geoffrey himself. The content of these revues wasn’t entirely satirical, of course. Nobody who was present on that evening in 1997 at Geoffrey’s retirement will forget the performance by John Culley, Jack Dawson, David Lovell Brown and Paul White of one of Geoffrey’s favourite pieces of music – ‘Steal Away’, the ‘spiritual’ from Michael Tippet’s A Child of our Time. The words ‘Steal away to Jesus’ may well have come back to him, and given him comfort, in his final moments. He was also an advocate of the ‘power nap’ and rumour had it that he frequently slipped out of his study and returned home for a refreshing 40 winks. He claimed that 15-30 minutes was all he needed but the word on the street was that, on occasion, he took rather longer. These rumours were fuelled when once, on his annual visit to The Headmasters Conference, Geoffrey placed himself on the front row, his long legs stretched out in front of him. He must have had a decent lunch and no doubt it was a dull presentation but inevitably, the eyelids grew heavy and he fell asleep. Unfortunately for him the press photographer chose this moment to capture the energy and vitality of the leaders of the nation’s finest independent schools. To the delight of Stamford staff the photo, with a slumbering Geoffrey clearly in view, appeared in many national newspapers. Geoffrey was a man of great stature in every sense of the word. He had a commanding presence which he used to good effect. He was not an easy man to challenge but, when he was questioned he relished the consequent debate. With his ability to recall detail, his sure sense of what was right for the school and the boys within it and his penchant for expressing himself fluently and cogently, he rarely lost the argument. A big man but the great attributes did not stop there. He was a man of enthusiasm, drive and vision and every inch the headmaster: authoritative, pragmatic and compassionate. He could command a room, but could charm and win confidence. As his Deputy, Bruce McKenzie said: “He had presence.” He stood no nonsense, a man of strongly held views and clear moral principles, but he was also a man who showed generous understanding and compassion to many students, and indeed some of the staff, under his command. He exemplified the standards expected in a school of quality. He was a highly observant as leader, rewarding quietly those whom he could see contributed to the life of the School. A man of great presence, he ensured that the School had a decorum rooted in the history of public schools. His wrote in the School prospectus that, fortunately, not all parents wanted their children to be geniuses, but, rather, well-rounded, respectful individuals and team players. He believed they were entitled to a range of schooldays experiences that were stimulating and fulfilling which would prepare them for their adult lives, equipping them to be happy, healthy, successful citizens. He did his utmost to fulfil that vision, establishing this culture in Stamford School where it remains embedded in the ethos and culture of the institution. That is his greatest legacy. He stands comparison with any of his predecessors, and indeed, when the history is written, he is likely to be regarded as one of the finest headmasters Stamford School had.

33 He was a great friend of the OS, and more than one Chairman was grateful for Geoffrey’s advice or discreet intervention on one ticklish matter or another. The Club greatly benefited from his support and even as his health began to deteriorate, he made tremendous efforts to attend OS Committee meetings. On the occasion of his retirement at the dinner held at OS Reunion Weekend in 1997, a generous tribute was made that night by his right-hand man, Deputy Head Bruce McKenzie. As an indication of his popularity and the high regard in which he was held, well over 100 OS were in attendance and it was the last time that tables were laid on the stage of the School Hall to accommodate all the diners. He deserved a much longer and more serene retirement than was granted to him. Despite his terrible and debilitating illness which had robbed him of his retirement, whenever the School was discussed he raised himself higher and the glint of pride in his eye was palpable. As General Patten said: We should not mourn those who have died, but rather we should rejoice that such men lived. Geoffrey’s funeral was held at the parish church of Easton-on-the-Hill, where he and Anna had retired. A Service of Thanksgiving was held in the School Chapel on 26 September 2015 before former colleagues, governors, parents and Old Stamfordians attended by Anna Timm, and their two sons Christian and Julian (OS) and their families. Tributes were paid by David Lennie (staff), Bill Chadwick (staff) and Simon Stanley (Chairman OS Club), and Will Phelan (Headmaster of Stamford School) reflected on Geoffrey’s legacy. Readings were given by Stephen Roberts (Principal of the Stamford Endowed Schools) and Mike Pring (a former Governor). Refreshments were taken afterwards in the School Hall.

Mick Belton 1944 - 42 Mick died in July 2015 aged 79. He was a regular supporter of the Boston OS Dinner, and had recently attended an 1871 Society lunch in the School Hall along with Dudley Bryant (OS). Mick’s funeral took place at St James’ Church, Freiston, near Boston. He leaves his wife, Doreen.

John Callaghan (staff) 1973 - 96 John died on 27 January, aged 80. After Berkhamsted School and National Service with the Essex Regiment he briefly worked at Rootes and then Rugby Cement before joining the family garage business. Thereafter he took to renovating old properties. In 1973 he took a teacher training course at Stoke Rochford, and joined Stamford Junior School in 1976. He taught Upper 2A for the next twenty years and was also Housemaster of Willoughby for the last 12 years. John was responsible for introducing mini-rugby to the Prep Department,

34 and ran the Under 11 Rugby team until 1992. He travelled on ski trips and also introduced groups of boys to sailing. He will be remembered as an enthusiastic schoolmaster and as a well-loved father figure. Graeme Lowe (staff 1978-84) wrote: “I had the privilege of teaching Upper 2B, the parallel form to John’s, and consider myself enormously fortunate to have worked alongside him. He was as modest as he was gentlemanly with a super sense of humour. I recall that when report writing he used to chuckle quietly over such comments as: ‘There is an occasional spark in an otherwise dull fire.’ Happy days!” John retired in 1996. His funeral service took place at a packed All Saints’ Church in Braunston, Northamptonshire. He leaves his wife Gill, and their family.

John Byham 1951 - 58 John died after a long illness. On leaving School, John joined the Midland Bank in Stamford and, over 30 years, rose to become manager at various branches across Norfolk and Suffolk. He played Rugby for the 1st XV, and also played for the county. He leaves, his wife Judith, their daughters Sara and Rachel, and grandchildren.

Steve R Gash 1954 - 63 Steve was in St. Peter’s, Northfields and Browne House. A larger than life character, he was a good opening batsman for the School 1st XI and an enthusiastic drummer in a rock band. After a brief spell in engineering he spent most of his working life as a sales executive in the Waste Disposal Industry. He attended several OS Reunions in recent years and was at the last Reunion event organised by Paul West at the Lady Anne’s Hotel in Stamford. He retired to Spain several years ago. He leaves a brother, Chris, (OS 57).

Steve Gash: Drummer; John Loat: Rhythm Guitar (right); Brian Spencer: Lead Guitar (left); Roger Staniland: Bass Guitar (centre)

35 We have to report the deaths at a ripe old age in Canada of two cousins from the Glew family – two of seven boys who attended Stamford School over the early-to-mid 20th century. One lived in Barn Hill and the other at Park Farm, Wittering before both eventually emigrated to Canada. (An earlier Glew, Aubrey, was killed in the First World War and his story is recorded in the book ‘Boys of Stamford School in the First World War’ by Alexandra Colley.)

David Neville Glew 1939 - 46 David died in Canada, at Petrolia, Ontario on 18 October 2014 at the age of 86. He was born in Stamford, and at School he was tough and unruly, frequently in trouble. A fond memory of “Sticky” as he was called, was, knowing that the Physics master, Mr Sproson, was about to light a Bunsen burner, used a length of rubber tubing to connect a water tap to the gas supply. The burner lit normally, but then the flame died and was replaced by a little fountain of water. When he got into the Science Sixth he thrived, went to Cambridge, and obtained a PhD in Physical Chemistry. He and his wife, Miriam, lived in Ottowa, California and South Africa before settling in Sarnia in Southwestern Ontario, where David enjoyed a long career with Dow Chemical. He leaves sons Michael, Richard, Ian, daughter Jeni and their families. He was predeceased by his brother, Peter Glew (OS 47).

Cyril Aubrey William (Bill) Glew 1935 - 40 Cyril likewise died recently died in Canada to where he also emigrated many years ago.

John Harker 1945 - 53 John died in his sleep peacefully but unexpectedly on 22 December 2015. In 1945, aged eight, he became a boarder in St Peter’s House then moved on later to Browne House. He was a keen boxer and boxed for the School. John left school at 16 initially to go into farming with his father in Geddington. In 1970, however, he went to work on the Barnwell Estate for Prince William of Gloucester. In 1974 he went to work for Austin and Alan Knight in Glapthorn. Aged 62 John retired following an aneurism and major surgery. Ten years ago he and his wife Elizabeth moved to Oundle. They had three children, Gina, Jackie and Simon. His two sisters, Sue and Janet, both attended the High School and two grandsons, George and Harry Burgess, currently attend Stamford School.

36 George Anthony (Tony) Harrison 1946 - 50 Tony died suddenly on 12 January 2015. Edward Kirby (1946-54) recalls: “He started at Stamford in Form 3A, under the form-master, the late Rev. “Bang” Wright, and financed by the recently introduced County-Scholarship scheme. Tony, whom I first got to know by his first name, George, very soon became one of the three life-long friends I made there, the others being Bill Turnill (1943-53), with whom I am still in touch, and the late Brian Griffith (1949-54). Tony’s father was the Station Master at Essendine Station on what is now called the East-Coast Main Line between Kings Cross and Inverness. During holidays he quite often cycled over to Collyweston, where my family lived, to stay a few days and join me for walks. My most vivid memories include building a rather crude canoe that we carried down to the nearby River Welland, where at first-launch, it immediately sank!” He leaves his wife, Irene, their sons, Shaun and Stephen and their families.

Gilbert Michael Heathcote 1933 - 42 Gilbert died in August 2015 aged 91. His funeral was held at St Andrew’s Church, Folkingham. He was married to Dorothy, and leaves three children, Jane, Amanda and Annabel.

John Hellyer Jones 1929 - 37 John died on 24 January 2016, aged 95. John was born in 1920 in the village of Tanworth- in-Arden in Warwickshire. Having first been educated with Frederick Sanger (the Double Nobel Chemistry prize winner) at the Sanger home in Tanworth, John attended Stamford School in 1929. He was reputedly the first to kiss the ‘Old Man’ when it was moved to the ‘new’ West Door of the Chapel in 1930. After leaving Stamford he went to Birmingham University to train as a dentist (like his Stamfordian elder brother, James Walford Jones, who died in 1992). John first met his wife Irene in Tanworth when they were seven and eight years old. They married in 1943 and had three children, Sara, Jonathan & Tim. At the end of the War, John became a dentist with the Royal Navy in Ceylon. In the 1950s he set up a practice in Henley-in-Arden, while converting a barn in Tanworth-in-Arden into a family home. Later he went to Westcott House in Cambridge to train as a priest, being ordained in 1967 in Ely Cathedral. He served his curacy in Haddenham, Ely, Cambridgeshire and went on to become priest in charge of Lolworth and Conington. John continued with dentistry one day a week caring for patients with learning difficulties, alongside his ministry. He and Irene retired to Haddenham in 1985, where she died in March 2015 after over 71 years of marriage to John. John’s funeral service was held at Haddenham Methodist Church on 9 February and his body was later interred with Irene’s ashes at Tanworth-in-Arden parish church.

37 Air Commodore Pat King, CBE 1944 - 1953 Pat died suddenly on 8 November 2015. He was born in Grantham in 1935 and was brought up in Helpston, to where his parents had moved from London. His own father served as a pilot in the RAF for 38 years so it is little surprise that by the time he left School, Pat was already in possession of a private pilot’s licence and he enlisted in the RAF in 1954. He flew Piston Provosts, Vampires and Hunters of various vintages, Chipmunks, Swifts, Beavers. In 1963 he became a Flight Commander with the Sultan of Oman’s Air Force, followed by a ‘rest tour’ as Station Commander at RAF Salalah on the shores of the Indian Ocean. He then converted to Harriers and was posted to Germany. He became frustrated with the lack of support from above and exercised his impending option to leave the Service. (Pat did not really enjoy staff work – he loved flying.) Changes were made and Pat was promoted and took command of 233 Harrier OCU at RAF Wittering. Apart from the highs and lows of commanding, he delighted in ‘The Wharton Handicap’ – an RAF schooner race around sixteen Stamford pubs. He generally made a tactful withdrawal at some stage in order to press his uniform for the inevitable interview with the Station Commander the next day. A typical story to assist the picture of Pat King: while CO at Wittering, he was asked by an Air Vice Marshall at a meeting of Station Commanders if any of them felt that they had a drink problem on their stations. Pat replied: “No sir, I don’t believe we have a drink problem – in fact, I think we’re rather good at it”. His next assignment was to the USAF Air Welfare College in Alabama and an exchange posting to Langley in Virginia. Whilst in the States he received his OBE on board HMS Britannia anchored off Philadelphia. As Group Captain he became Commanding Officer at RAF Wittering, where he combined his professional competence with caring support of families; never more so than during the Falklands conflict. This was when he was invested by the Queen as Commander of the British Empire. Pat served later as Air Commander in the Falkland Islands and also at HQ Strike Command. He became an Air Commodore and was able to return to flying, but in 1988, with the prospect of another desk job ahead he retired. He never forgot his roots, and was a committee member of the Old Stamfordian Club and a keen supporter of the Stamford Rotary Club. His pithy and well-judged contributions were always appreciated at OS Committee meetings. It was because of his connections with the RAF Club in Piccadilly that the OS Club was able to secure that venue for its annual London dinners. He was also a founder trustee of the RAF Widows Association. A very nice and down-to-earth man. His funeral at Marholm Crematorium was packed, with as many people standing as sitting, for a dignified but warm farewell to a much loved friend and colleague. Fond memories were recalled and expressed by his family and by service colleagues. He leaves his wife, Audrey, sons Clive, Mark and Jason (all OS), daughter Karen (SHS) and their families.

38 Michael Lambert 1942 - 48 Michael died on 1 March 2015. He was born into a farming family in Donington, Lincolnshire. As his father suffered a stroke when Michael was eight, he was introduced to farming life at an early age. In 1942 he become a boarder at Stamford and after School he returned to his father’s business. He also played Rugby for Boston and began his love affair with Jaguar cars. He and his sister Vera moved into the food merchant business, covering the East Midlands and parts of Wales. With the rise of supermarkets, independent food merchants lost their influence, however, and the business closed. Michael and his wife then turned to owning and running a caravan park in South Wales and then Ayrshire, but he returned to Lincolnshire where his two sons, Roger and Steven, lived. He subsequently married a second time and leaves his wife Jean.

Graeme Mutton 1985 - 92 Graeme died in late November 2015, aged 41, in tragic circumstances. Graeme represented the school at Football, Cricket, Athletics, Rugby (touring Australia in the fifth form as one of only a handful selected to go with the older Sixth Form boys) and Hockey, where, as goalkeeper, he represented Lincolnshire, Eastern Region, and Scotland at Under 18, Under 21 and full international level. Following Stamford, Graeme spent a gap year working at Millfield School before attending Warwick University where he was awarded a First in Maths and Physical Education, going on to teach both subjects in his career. As he went on to become an Assistant Head Teacher and Deputy Head teacher, this was not as often as he would have liked at times. He taught at the Deepings School and before that for many years in Birmingham, where he had lived, close to his son, Tyler, whom he adored. He continued to play football and rugby locally and hockey at Harborne Hockey Club. He always spoke very fondly and proudly of his school days Stamford returning occasionally at OS weekend and last summer took part in the OS touch rugby tournament. He had good memories of so many teachers, particularly those who taught Maths and Games and was hugely grateful to John Hale who gave up so much time giving extra tuition in the Sixth form pre-A level exam period. Mike Barton, Lars Phillips and Kevin Johnstone also had a major impact on him and he had a high regard for his old housemaster, Brian Appleyard. Graeme had recently joined Thomas Deacon Academy, Peterborough, as a maths teacher, and despite only being with the school for a few months, had made a big impact on staff and pupils. The Principal, Julie Taylor, said: “He was very popular with staff and students. He was passionate about learning, and was going to be

39 a real asset… Some pupils have said they want to raise money to mark his passing… [and] want there to be a focus on the issue of mental health. Graeme was a fantastic teacher and an amazing guy.” He had suffered for some time with depression. His funeral was held on 14 December at Our Lady of Lincoln and St Guthlac’s Church, Deeping St James, followed by a send-off at Deeping Rangers football club. A large Stamford School contingent was present, comprising both friends of Graeme and of his family.

Robin Norgate 1952 - 53 Robin was born in Oakham in 1937, and spent most of his childhood in Great Casterton, of which his father was the Rector. After a number of years boarding at Rossall School in Lancashire, Robin finished his schooling at Stamford. After leaving School, Robin signed up for National Service in the RAF, spending many years in a variety of locations in England and Germany. After leaving the RAF, he started a small building company, and spent a good portion of his working life building and restoring houses in Stamford and Rutland. Despite only a short stint at School, Robin always remembered Stamford fondly, and both his children Richard (OS 89) and Georgina (SHS 83) enjoyed their schooling in Stamford. Robin retired with his wife, Susan, to the north Norfolk coast in 2000, and relished his retirement, including many years driving his classic Rolls Royce up and down the coast road. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia in 2012, and died peacefully on 9 April 2015. His funeral was held at Sheringham, followed by interment at Great Casterton.

Professor David Peacock 1948 - 57 David died on 15 March 2015. He was born in Peterborough in 1939 and on leaving Stamford, went on to do a BSc and a PhD in geology at the University of St Andrews. He was then a research fellow in archaeology for three years at the University of Birmingham (1965-68) before moving to Southampton where he remained until his retirement in 2004. He served as Professor of Archaeology from 1990 and deputy dean for the Faculty of Humanities. In the 1970s, David worked with the British United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation excavations at Carthage and became fascinated by Roman amphorae. One of his crucial insights was to realise that traditional potteries could help us understand ceramic production in the Roman and medieval periods and his conclusions were published in a number of highly influential studies. Always keen to build bridges between archaeology and science, he demonstrated how thin-section analysis of pottery could upset assumptions based on stylistic considerations and how distribution studies could illuminate unexpected patterns of trade. David later turned his attention to Egypt: he

40 helped excavate two of the greatest quarries of the Roman Empire at Mons Claudianus and Mons Porphyrites and proved that Quseir al-Qadim was the long-lost Myos Hormos, Rome’s principal Red Sea port for trading with the Arabian peninsula and India. He also drew on his fieldwork at these sites to produce a highly accessible survey of Roman Egypt in The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt (2000). His eminence was recognised by a Kenyon Medal from the British Academy in 2011 and a prestigious Pomerance Award from the Archaeological Institute of America in 2012. Simon Keay, Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Humanities at Southhampton, recalled David as a scholar notable for “his sharp mind, warmth, supportiveness to colleagues and students and brilliant sense of humour. He will be fondly remembered as an inveterate traveller and ‘explorer’, always looking for something new to discover in far distant and unfamiliar territory.” The Times Higher Education described him as “one of the most innovative archaeologists of his generation”. He leaves his wife Barbara, son Andrew and their extended family.

Phil Portess 1965 - 1972 Phil died unexpectedly at Peterborough City Hospital on 11 February, aged 60. Alistair Tarwid writes: “I was actually in 5A with his elder brother John (a great carver of pipe bowls), and knew Phil not from school but from his days of DJ-ing at the Riverside Club. I often used to bump into him when I was back in Stamford in the 80s and 90s. I believe he turned from DJ-ing to playing bowls in recent years. I could never really picture Phil as the archetypal Stamford accountant, more Mile End Road if anything. What I mean is that he wasn’t someone you would define by his job, no matter how good he was at it. He demonstrated a wry sense of humour on many an occasion, and I will remember him as ‘a good bloke‘ – that’s what really counts in the end, and an epitaph any of us could be proud of.” He leaves a family including his brother John (OS 71).

Simon Riley 1964 - 73 Simon died on 27 December 2014. He was the fourth son of Ken and Margaret Riley and had been in poor health for some time. He leaves his parents, Ken and Margaret, their other sons Jonathan, Mark, Peter and Roger and their families.

Chris L Stamp 1951 - 58 Chris died on 3 June 2012. He lived in the Spalding area. Although his wife Margaret predeceased him, he leaves a daughter, Lizzie, and her family.

41 Aylmer John Woodward 1947 - 57 Aylmer died on 29 December 2014 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, aged 75. After leaving Stamford, John graduated from St Andrews and Nottingham Universities and was awarded a PhD in 1964. He worked as a research chemist in the textile industry initially at Pontypool in South Wales and then moved to the USA in 1967 where he contributed to several innovations. He married Anne in 1970, and after several moves, settled in the Spartanburg area in the late 1970s where his daughters Kathy and Kristen were brought up. Following his retirement in 1998, he enjoyed many interests but in later years had debilitating illnesses through which he was supported and cared for by the devotion of his wife and daughters. He was delighted by the birth of his first grandson Joe, two months before his death. He leaves his wife, Anne, daughters Kathy and Kristen and their families, his brother Robert (OS 63) and wider family.

Michael J Ward (staff) 1961 - 95 Michael died suddenly at home in Stamford on 14 June 2015, aged 82. A farmer’s son, he lived at Daventry Farm, Woodford, on the banks of the Nene near Kettering with his parents, three sisters and brother. He attended the village school until he was eleven then went on to Kimbolton School. National Service followed, first at Catterick, ‘square-bashing’ with the Royal Armoured Corps before a transfer to the Intelligence Corps on the Joint Services course, studying Russian. He went on to do a degree in Zoology at Imperial College, London where he coxed both the Royal College of Science and the Imperial College eights. This was followed by a post-graduate Certificate in Education at FitzWilliam College, Cambridge where he also obtained a Lawn Tennis Association coaching certificate and the Football Association elementary coaching certificate. He did teaching practice at Cranleigh School in Surrey, was then appointed to a permanent position and remained there for four years. He came to Stamford in 1964 as Head of Biology, a post which he held with considerable success until 1995, presiding over a small department which saw large numbers of boys go on to careers based on Biology. He also became a house tutor at Northfields and then moved on to become Housemaster of Browne House and served for six years there. He was an enormously entertaining and inspirational teacher and nothing was ever too much trouble if it ensured a boy a place at medical school, dental school or on a science

42 course. He ran the Rifle Club, taking a team to Bisley annually, with considerable success. For many years he ran junior school soccer teams, taking boys to see his own beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers, as a ‘reward’. He also spent many Sundays instructing at the School Sailing club at Langtoft, and latterly organised and prepared the highly successful Schools Quiz Challenge teams, entering the annual England Inter-Schools competition. He took parties of joint SS and SHS pupils to Russia, which he organised in 1988 and 1990. In a retirement that was equally full and rewarding he joined Stamford Probus Club and very much enjoyed the regular luncheon meetings and friendships. For many years he was on the committee and was President in 2012. Membership of the Peterborough and Stamford National Trust Branch and as a committee member, fulfilled another great interest. He gained much pleasure from visiting the historic properties and the often spectacular gardens surrounding them. He was also a member of the Company of St Peter’s of Peterborough Cathedral, the World Wildlife Fund, the RSPB and a keen supporter of Wood Green Animal Shelter. Following a private family funeral, a Service of Thanksgiving was held at the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Great Casterton, which was packed to capacity, with many members of staff and former pupils present. The service had been planned by Michael, requesting the organ music, the hymn to be sung by the choir, and three readings. Casterton Church, of which he knew every inch and whose current church hall and pews would not have been provided without him, was extremely important to him and he served as a church warden for many years and was a very active member of the parochial church council until his death. For a traditionalist he was very open to the idea of women priests and bishops, although he did like to address his own (female) parish priest as ‘padre’ when he was feeling provocative. His family was also immensely important to him and he greatly enjoyed spending time at his flat in Spain, near to that of his sister, for the sunshine, the lifestyle and the opportunity to share these pleasures with his family. He leaves his sister, Jill Langley, and his wider circle of relatives and friends. His humour, quick wit and friendship will be much missed. “He was a remarkably enthusiastic and inspirational teacher.” “He was a superb teacher as well as a true gentleman who supported and exhorted his pupils.” “A very decent man of whom I have fond memories.” “Mike taught us to be gracious in defeat, not to dwell on our mistakes and to take pride in our achievements. I would like to think that we did him proud.”

Deaths Temil Bisnauthsing (1985-90) 2016 C Paul Tewkesbury (1952-60) 2003

43 OS Sport

OS Squash 2015 It was a smaller affair for this year’s OS Squash with four OS and one current boy available on a mild night in March at the school courts. It was a pleasure to welcome a new player to the team in the form of Simon McCaskie (OS 1981); the first of many matches for him we hope. The unavailability of last year’s champion Peter Baynton guaranteed a new winner this year so it was all to play for as the round-robin phase began. Some solid court skills were in evidence, particularly from the aforementioned ‘newbie’ McCaskie. Olly Huxley for the school was also a strong performer, illustrating the continued coaching prowess of Mr. Williams as he enters his 30th year as a teacher at school. In the end it came down to a straight fight between these two individuals, with the older player ultimately victorious 2-0. A very honourable result for Mr. Huxley, who will join the OS ranks this summer. It should be said too that he still had enough energy for a one-off match – and 2-1 victory – against late-arriving regular Joe Cotton. Congratulations to Simon, who takes the title without dropping a set. He becomes the third first-time winner in four years. The one to beat in 2016.

Year OS Squash Champion

2015 Simon McCaskie 2014 Peter Baynton 2013 Alex Phillips 2012 Stephen Hunt 2011 Alex Phillips 2010 Andrew Cornthwaite 2009 Alex Phillips 2008 Andrew Cornthwaite 2007 Andrew Cornthwaite 2006 Andrew Cornthwaite 2005 Alex Phillips 2004 George Montgomery 2003 Alex Phillips

The evening was rounded off discussing the latest news from School in the Tobie Norris pub. A final word to thank Francis Williams for arranging the courts again. We look forward to 2016! 2015 OS team: Simon McCaskie, Bruce Dodworth, Joe Cotton, Sam Kapila. Peter Scott, ’01

44 Old Stamfordian Golfing Society Grafton Morrish 2015 Report As ever the qualifying for the Eastern region of the Grafton Morrish event took place at the Gog Magog course near Cambridge. The team welcomed back Tim Johnson who had rededicated himself to golf, following his retirement from King Sturge. Indeed he was a picture of new found health and vitality following a winter and early spring of spinning classes and golf. The team set off in a confident fashion and it soon became clear they had brought their A games, as all three pairs quickly recorded early points and maintained this form to the end. James Cobb and Tim Johnson led the team home with 31 scratch stableford points playing the traditional foursomes format. They were ably supported by Geoff Holyoake playing with Rory Edwards and David Scott partnered by Nick Glover. The team managed to combine to get 83 points and qualify comfortably for the finals to be held at Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk (Brancaster) in the autumn. The squad gathered in Norfolk and for the first time in living memory, neither of the legends that are Tim Johnson and Julian Smith was present. However, the team did welcome Kieran Staunton making his debut, who had interrupted his pre-season rugby training at Leicester University to join the team. Also in attendance was Neil Nottingham who offered his experience and sage advice to the team during the practice round. The opponents in the first round were Warwick, an old adversary. The match was an exciting event with the final pairing of Cobb and Scott closing out their match early on 15 green to win 4 and 3, before walking forward to support the other two pairings who were locked in tight battles. Staunton and Glover were in trouble on the last hole but were 1 up, as Holyoake and Edwards putted ahead on the final green. Geoff rolled in a tricky putt to secure a half point and with it the match, as we took an unassailable one and half point lead. Staunton and Glover promptly conceded the hole and accepted a half for a final 2-1 victory. This left the team to face Haileybury in the next round, to whom they had lost in the previous year. This was another close affair but Haileybury always had a slight advantage and so it turned out, as they managed to edge home 2-1. However, as ever in the spirit of the event, both teams ventured to the legendary clubhouse at Brancaster to enjoy each other’s company and share stories of what might have been and wish each other the best of luck for the next day. Entering the plate competition requires a strong constitution and an forthright alarm clock, with tee off slots usually at 8am. The less experienced campaigners were found wanting in all respects, blaming their poor time keeping on trivial items such as lost belts, flat batteries and even getting lost just outside the hotel. However, nonetheless the team made it to the first tee in one piece and gave a good account of themselves finishing mid table from the field of 30 starters with 78 points. Geoff Holyoake

45 Old Pupils Salver 24 April 2015 After coming second the previous year the same team was asked to ‘go one better’ in this inter-school competition created in Luffenham Heath’s centenary year. As it transpired, Stamford’s most consistent pair on the day, Geoff Holyoake and Mark Walmsley, ‘beat par’ morning and afternoon. Both the other pairs of Francis Williams with Martin Jaffrey and Paul Ramm with Neil Nottingham contributed to the combined (best 2 out of 3) morning and afternoon scores respectively. So Stamford amassed a score of 151 stableford points, the first time the School had surpassed 150. However, once again, this total was only good enough for second place as the Old Oundelians team won with 154 points. Old Wellingburians (149), Old Loughburians (138) and lastly Old Ratcliffians (137) made up the rest of the field. The Oundle team included a certain ‘big hitting’ young tyro, Will Kendall (until recently a plus handicap golfer), who had carefully navigated his way round Luffenham in the afternoon in the company of Geoff Holyoake and Mark Walmsley using only rescue clubs or irons off the tee. However, at the 366 yard par four 14th, a slightly downhill doglegged hole with a copse of tall trees protecting the corner, it was noted that Mr Kendall had selected his driver. Moments later the ball sailed straight over the top of the aforementioned trees and came to rest in a greenside bunker!! Needless to say perhaps but Messrs Holyoake and Walmsley, although mightily impressed, selected to use the more traditional route. August Meeting On Friday 21st August, 15 Old Stamfordian Golfers met at Burghley Park Golf Club to compete for the John Cartwright Trophy. The weather was good and the play over the front nine was especially fierce, but consistency proved to be the key as Neil Nottingham maintained his form over the nine, as the challenges of Richard Bailey, Richard Allen and Stephen Richards faded. Neil won with 40 points from Richard Allen in second, Stephen Richards third and Paul York was fourth. York also picked up the nearest the pin on the third hole, with Richard Bailey being nearest on the 16th and Nottingham also won the Longest Drive on the 18th. The golfers were pleased to welcome John Cartwright for dinner, and John presented his trophy to the winner to complete a very enjoyable day. Autumn Meeting A fine autumnal day greeted the O.S. on Saturday 10th October 2015 The morning singles round for the Ross Bowl was a competitive affair with only one point separating Alistair Weir and Geoff Holyoake as they teed-off the last. Geoff Holyoake held onto his lead and retained the Ross Bowl by an outrageous “chip-in” for par on the eighteenth and a total of 35 stableford points. Following lunch, the afternoon foursomes set-off in one large group. This sociable format was enjoyed by all and once again the outcome was in the balance until the last. However, Richard Bailey was thwarted in his attempt to be in the winning pair for the third time in a

46 row and Martin Jaffrey and Mark Walmsley secured the Geoff Holyoake Trophy with 34 points from Neil Nottingham and Paul Coates (33 points). All OS are warmly invited to participate in all future events. Please see details on inside covers.

OS Shooting Old Stamfordians Shooting : Public Schools Veteran’s Match, Bisley – Thursday 09 July 2015. The Old Stamfordians Shooting Team competed once again for the Public Schools Veteran’s 500 yard shooting match on Thursday 09 July 2015. Team members arrived at a leisurely pace over the course of the afternoon and meandered across Century range to meet old friends prior to the start of the Public Schools Veteran’s shooting match. Most of the team consist of regular, or at least occasional, shooters, but there is always a ‘warm-up’ period of 15 minutes whereby the rustier gentlemen can fire off a few rounds to ‘settle’ into the swing of things. The most highly-placed OS in the Bisley Grand Aggregate was Jimmy Lawrie. This year (2016) the OS will be fielding two teams in the Public Schools Veterans Match at 17.00hrs on Thursday 14 July. This will be followed, as tradition demands, by a sociable ale or two in the London and Middlesex Rifle Club. Any OS, particularly recent school leavers, are very welcome to attend or come down in support and shooting instructions will be given for those who wish to shoot but may be a bit rusty. Please contact Alex Lawrie at: [email protected] for further details and directions.

Provisional First XI Cricket Fixtures 2016 Date Opponent Venue Time Saturday 30 April Nottingham High School A 14.00 Saturday 07 May Wellingborough H 11.30 Saturday 14 May Haileybury A 14.00 Saturday 21 May Oakham H 11.30 Saturday 18 June The Perse School A 11.30 Tuesday 21 June The Forty Club H 13.00 Sunday 26 June Headmaster’s XI H 13.00 Wednesday 29 June St Peter’s, York H 12.00 Friday 01 July Stowe A 10.15 Saturday 02 July Old Stamfordians H 14.30 Monday 04 July Uppingham A 13.30 Tuesday 05 July Uppingham A 11.00 Wednesday 06 July MCC H 11.30

47 Sportsman’s Weekend 2015 The fifth Sportsman’s Weekend once again took place in August with a record number of participants in the various activities. As in previous years we were blessed with good weather, particularly on the Saturday with glorious sunshine for most of the day. The weekend started at 1pm at Burghley Park with 16 Old Stamfordians competing in the August meeting. There was a mixture of OS Golf stalwarts and recent leavers and an enjoyable afternoon of golf was had by all. The winner of the John Cartwright Trophy with 40 points was Neil Nottingham who also won the longest drive. Paul York won nearest the pin. On the Saturday matches in both tennis and squash started the day proceedings. As the school tennis players were unfortunately away at the Hunstanton Tournament so Alex Smith (10) organised an OS Festival of Tennis. The squash was once again organised by Peter Scot (01), aided by Francis Williams and a round robin tournament ensued. The victor on the day was the late entrant Rob Vivien (84) who can still show the youngsters a few tricks! Both the OS tennis and squash players showed their appreciation to Francis Williams by presenting him with a gift for his 30 years dedicated coaching of the various squash and tennis players he has had the pleasure(!) to instruct during his time at the School. Once again, Tom Creess (09) was the lynchpin of the OS XI and a thank-you must be given to Mr Morris for organising the School’s side outside term time. Push-back was at 2pm and it was probably the hottest part of the weekend. Despite the heat the match was very evenly fought with the OS squeezing home 4-3. Following the end of the hockey the final sporting event of the weekend commenced. The rugby players were once again cajoled into playing by Chris Fletcher (06), David Purcell (08) and the new boy Guy Michels (09). Jerry Brooks kindly obliged by taking the whistle again and it is pleasing to see that he shows great empathy with the Overs ensuring that he did not stop the watch for the trivial stoppages in play! Yet again the Overs controlled the first skirmishes and were held up over the line. The game then became a tight encounter with both sides scoring a try a piece however the Unders once again showed their greater fitness and speed scoring another seven tries. The Overs scored a consolation try at the death. Following these strenuous activities, a more relaxed evening ensued and black tie dinner was attended by over 100 Old Stamfordians. As well as Neil Back being the main speaker, the guests were addressed by OS Chairman, Simon Stanley (85) and the Headmaster who provided a resumé of the school’s academic prowess. The Leicester Tigers, England and British Lions legend then proceed to regale the audience with various witty anecdotes of both highs and lows during his playing days, staying around to chat to everyone afterwards. Neil Paterson, ’85

48 Sportsman’s Weekend 2016 – key details The seventh annual OS Sportsmen’s Weekend takes place this August, following the success of last year’s event. As well as a feast of sport, the centrepiece of the Weekend is a formal dinner in the School Hall, open to OS of all generations – not just players and their guests. The after dinner speaker is Geoff Miller OBE, former England player and selector. Geoff will entertain dinner guests with anecdotes and stories from his bright and illustrious career. The Weekend represents a fantastic opportunity for OS of all generations and all sports to reunite with old team-mates, play in or gracefully spectate the afternoon’s fixtures and join the festivities of the evening.

49 The Old Stamfordian Club Statement Of Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2014

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 2014 2013 Income £ £ Annual Subscriptions & Donations 1,281 1,296 Term subscriptions 13,120 9,240 Interest received 83 3 Profit/(Loss) on Reunion Day (103) (118) Profit/(Loss) on Sunday lunch 0 0 Profit/(Loss) on Sportsman’s Dinner (451) 346 OS Merchandise sold 3,010 329 Profit on wine sales 125 0 17,065 11,096 Expenditure Printing Newsletter 2,735 2,605 Postage and Envelopes 1,256 922 Leavers ties purchased 1,202 374 Sundries 32 (16) Bursaries 2,684 1,421 Other postage and expenses 38 6 OS Merchandise purchased 1,958 0 Stock write-down 0 0 Representative Honours Board 0 682 Tolethorpe Cricket 0 110 9,905 6,103 Excess of Income over Expenditure 7,160 4,993 BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2014 2014 2013 Assets £ £ Sundry Stock 1,311 0 Sundry debtors 245 0 1,556 0 Cash at Bank Current account 1,271 4,703 HSBC Deposit account 5,767 9,762 Secure Trust Account 10,078 0 18,672 14,465 Liabilities Accumulated fund at 1 January 2014 11,462 6,469 Excess of Income over Expenditure 7,160 4,993 Balance at 31 December 2014 18,622 11,462

Sundry Creditors 50 3,003

18,672 14,465

The above accounts were adopted by the Committee of the Club on 21 March 2015. Simon Stanley Chairman Accountants report to the Committee of the Old Stamfordian Club. We have examined the above accounts without carrying out an audit. These accounts are in accordance with the books and records produced to us. Jackson & Grimes Ltd 30 March 2015 Chartered Certified Accountants Stamford Old Stamfordians Club Officers & Committee Members (as at March 2016)

Officers: Chairman Simon Stanley 6 Percy Road, London W12 9QA 020 8762 0133 [email protected] Vice Chairman Neil Paterson 12 Swallow Court, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1NP 01480 353588 [email protected] Secretary David Denney [email protected] Treasurer Richard Allen Deebec House, Main Road, Tallington, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 4RP 01780 749109 Editor OS Newsletter Robert Thorpe 16 Heycroft, Coventry, West Midlands CV4 7HE 02476 413385 [email protected] Deputy Editor John Craddock OS Newsletter 105 Casterton Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2UF 01780 763756 Editor OS Updates Mike Chew 2 Beverley Gardens, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2UD 01780 763496 [email protected] Dinner Manager Mark Walmsley 163 Casterton Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2XZ 01780 764638 [email protected] Membership Secretary Alan Hancock 27 Stephenson Way, Bourne, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE10 9DA 01778 425293 [email protected]

Committee Members: John Hughes John Smith William Joyce Michael Gent Ian Brassington Gareth Hook Cameron Park Jamie Sergeant Paul West

Ex Officio: Principal Stephen Roberts Headmaster Will Phelan Foundation Rachael Petrie

Greetham Valley Golf Club Dinner Three-course dinner £19.75 – 7.15pm for 8.00pm. OS, wives and partners welcome. (Accommodation available at Greetham Valley for those wishing to stay over (01780 460444). Contact John Cartwright (01572 822233 & [email protected]) or Tony Storey (01780 757949 & [email protected]). SUNDAY Chapel Service Sunday Matins conducted by the Chaplain, 11.00am. Notice of intention to attend is requested using the Registration Form. The Rev Tommy Wright Memorial Cricket Match v Tolethorpe Park At Tolethorpe (Little Casterton) at 2.00pm. Spectators welcome. Contact Will Joyce ([email protected]) CONTACTS Neil Paterson: [email protected] Dave Laventure: [email protected] Cameron Park: [email protected] Gareth Hook: [email protected] Will Joyce: [email protected] John Cartwright: [email protected] Tony Storey: [email protected] Foundation: Rachael Petrie and Dan Warren: [email protected] SPORTSMAN’S WEEKEND Friday 19 to Saturday 20 August The Weekend will include the following activities OS Golf Friday 19 at Burghley Park Contact Neil Nottingham ([email protected]) OS Squash – 1.00pm Contact Peter Scott ([email protected]) OS Tennis – 1.00pm Contact Alex Smith ([email protected]) OS Hockey – 2.00pm Contact Tom Crees ([email protected]) OS Rugby – 4.00pm Under 25s should contact Tom Gulland ([email protected]) or Guy Michels (07857 123154) Over 25s should contact Chris Fletcher (07870 569593 and [email protected]) or Dave Purcell (07708 822029 and [email protected]) Black Tie Dinner – 7.00pm Guest Speaker former England cricketer and selector Geoff Miller OBE Tickets: £35 per head (£30 per head if you have left school since 2011), or £350 for a table of ten. Guests welcome For bookings contact: Adam Rimmer, Neil Paterson or Cameron Park ([email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]) London Old Stamfordian Dinner Wednesday 4 November at the Royal Air Force Club, 128 Picaddilly, London Contact Neil Paterson ([email protected]) or Ian Brassington ([email protected]) Boston Old Stamfordian Reunion Saturday 12 November at the Boston & County Club Contact Dudley Bryant ([email protected]) Stamford Advent Luncheon Date and location to be advised in due course. All OS welcome. Contact John Cartwright ([email protected])